New stem cell-based gene test predicts patient risk in acute myeloid leukemia

Stanley Ng (IBBME) holds up a cartridge used to measure the gene expression levels of cancer cells. A team led by Ng has developed a new rapid test that can predict the effectiveness of leukemia treatments for a given patient, providing results in 24 to 48 hours. Photo: Luke Ng

A new, rapid gene expression test could help clinicians determine the best management for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by making it possible to accurately predict a patient’s response to chemotherapy within one to two days of diagnosis.

A diagnosis of AML can be devastating for patients and families. The standard treatment is intensive chemotherapy, however patients vary widely in their response. Currently, it is difficult to predict who will do well with chemotherapy, and who will not benefit and might do better with novel therapies offered by clinical trials.

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