Funded by the Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in children is difficult to treat, and thus it is important to identify new and less toxic therapies. We have identified a protein called CD97 that is present on AML cells and is required for their maintenance. Because CD97 is present in multiple forms, we will determine which are required in AML cells. We also will make and test the ability of antibodies we have made against CD97 to eliminate AML cells. We expect our studies will not only reveal the role of CD97 in the development of childhood AML, but identify a potential new drug that may be used to treat kids with AML.
