Blood Cancer: World's First Drug Trial Reveals Life-Changing Results

A breakthrough in the treatment of blood cancer was made by researchers from the University of Leicester, where the team debuted a clinical trial for a new inhibitor, ONO/GS-4059, to treat Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma patients who are resistant to current chemotherapies. The study, published in the journal Blood, featured the drug in the world's first clinical trial with actual patients of a new drug.

ONO/GS-4059 targets a protein, known as BTK, that's essential for tumor cells' survival and spread, according to a news release. 

"This drug has changed patients' lives; from desperate and tired they are now leading a normal and really active life. This is hugely rewarding and encouraging," Dr. Harriet Walter, of the university's Department of Cancer Studies, said.

The study, which began in Jan. 2012, enrolled 90 patients from France and the UK - 28 of which came from Leicester's Hospitals. The patients who had Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia have shown the most promise, and most are remarkably still involved in the study three years later with no notable toxicities.

"These patients were confronted with a cruel reality: they had failed multiple chemotherapy lines and there were no other treatment options available for them. This drug has changed their lives; from desperate and tired they are now leading a normal and really active life. This is hugely rewarding and encouraging," Walter said.

One of the patients stated that after taking the drug, within just two days, it "was like turning the lights on." Patients have shown incredible improvements that were mostly unexpected, according to researchers.

"We are dedicated to offer the best treatment options to our patients and the development of targeted therapies that increase the chance of therapeutic success and at the same time avoid toxicities generally observed in chemotherapies, is the most exciting progress in cancer research," Professor Martin Dyer said.

A further study on the drug and how to use it in combination with other targerted agents is set to open soon, aimed at achieving a cure.

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