The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine announced the FDA has awarded the coveted “Breakthrough Therapy” designation for a new leukemia treatment. The new therapy involves removing a patient’s T cells, genetically reprogramming them and infusing the cells back into the patient where they multiply and attack tumor cells.

Clinical trials employing the new therapy began in the summer of 2010 in patients with relapsed and refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Trials are currently underway for adult and pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and myeloma. Penn is also investigating the next generation of therapies, with trials for mesothelioma, ovarian, breast and pancreatic cancer.

This is exciting news and offers hope to thousands of cancer patients diagnosed with leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and myeloma. Exposure to benzene in consumer products and at work has been associated with an increased risk of developing these diseases.

Check out the U Penn Press Release by clicking  here.

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