White Plains, NY (October 28, 2014) - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has initiated a program to fund research projects seeking to better understand and, ultimately, stop progression of certain types of blood cancers from early-stage malignancies to much more lethal states of disease.
The types of early-stage blood cancers the program will focus on are the "myeloid" diseases, such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), both of which can progress to the more deadly acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Janssen Research & Development, LLC is co-sponsoring the program with LLS, and together the organizations have committed to providing a combined $1.7 million for the initiative. LLS is issuing a request for proposals with the intent of funding research projects at $400,000 each for a period of three years. The grants will be administered as part of LLS's new "Transforming Cures Initiative - Intercepting Progression to Advanced Myeloid Blood Cancers."
"LLS is committed to advancing research to address critical unmet medical needs," said LLS Chief Scientific Officer Lee Greenberger, Ph.D. "The five-year survival rate for acute myeloid leukemia patients remains dismal, at approximately 20 percent, so any progress we can make to halt early-stage diseases before they progress to AML would be a tremendous advance for patients. Beyond this, the molecule defects in MDS and MPN are beginning to be understood, which leads the way to early intervention with novel therapeutic approaches. We greatly appreciate Janssen's vision in supporting this important initiative."
Researchers who apply for these grants will focus on identifying the molecular drivers that cause progression to leukemia and/or working toward development of treatment strategies for early interception of the disease.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
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