Stand Up To Cancer Funds New Research to Tackle AL Amyloidosis Treatments

Innovative Research in AL Amyloidosis Treatment

Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C) has announced its commitment to fund a pioneering team of researchers dedicated to finding new treatments for immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis. This rare yet serious condition is closely associated with other blood cancers, specifically multiple myeloma, lymphomas, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The initiative is a part of a collaborative effort announced with Johnson & Johnson in the previous year, designed to investigate a combination of targeted therapies for the management of AL amyloidosis.

The SU2C Catalyst® program is at the forefront of this research, uniquely structured to facilitate the rapid acquisition of safety and efficacy data that can guide the future research pathways necessary for tackling this challenging health issue. Julian Adams, Ph.D., SU2C's president and CEO, expressed tremendous pride in supporting such critical research, emphasizing the organization’s mission to bridge the gap in treatment options for overlooked diseases like AL amyloidosis.

AL amyloidosis is a life-threatening condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of amyloid proteins in various organs and tissues, including critical areas such as the heart and kidneys. This protein build-up results from cancerous plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to severe organ dysfunction.

The research will be spearheaded by Dr. Suzanne Lentzsch, who is a professor of medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, as well as the director of the Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis Program at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Co-leading this initiative is Dr. Vaishali Sanchorawala, a hematologist and director of the Amyloidosis Center at Boston Medical Center and Boston University’s Chobanian Avedisian School of Medicine.

The researchers behind this initiative plan to initiate a clinical trial targeting newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis patients. The trial will investigate a synergistic combination approach utilizing two types of targeted therapies, teclistamab and daratumumab. Both medicines aim to harness the immune system's capabilities to eliminate abnormal plasma cells responsible for the detrimental amyloid deposition seen in affected patients.

Dr. Lentzsch remarked that AL amyloidosis trails behind many other conditions in terms of clinical research and as a result, there remain significant treatment voids. This clinical trial represents a vital therapeutic inquiry into techniques learned from the study of related blood malignancies. The team looks to leverage this understanding to create positive change for those afflicted by this rare disease.

Participants in the trial will receive the combined treatment while undergoing rigorous follow-up assessments for a year to monitor safety and long-term outcomes. The goal is to establish a viable treatment pathway that can significantly enhance the quality of life and clinical outlook for patients impacted by AL amyloidosis.

Stand Up To Cancer's continued commitment to raising awareness and funding for cancer research embodies a collaborative model intent on transforming the landscape of cancer treatment. The organization, established in 2008 by prominent media and entertainment figures, works tirelessly to garner support for innovative cancer research initiatives.

With over 3,100 scientists from more than 210 institutions already involved in research projects funded by SU2C, this funding not only represents a critical step forward for AL amyloidosis patients but also reinforces the urgent need for effective treatment options across various cancer types. The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) serves as SU2C’s scientific partner, ensuring a robust review process for all research proposals submitted for funding.

The fight against cancer is relentless, and with funding directed towards groundbreaking research, Stand Up To Cancer is paving the way for potentially life-saving advancements in therapies for diseases that have long been underrepresented in medical research. For further details on their initiatives and impact, visit StandUpToCancer.org.