Cancers of the Blood
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
What is CLL?
It is the commonest type of chronic leukaemia, with approximately 3,000 to 4,000 new cases of CLL being diagnosed each year in the UK. It’s a type of leukaemia that develops slowly over time; and some people have it for months or even years without realising it because they do not have symptoms.
Large numbers of abnormal white blood cells are produced, and these lack the ability to perform the vital task of fighting against infection. Also, because the bone marrow is making too many abnormal white blood cells, not enough red cells are made so patients with CLL can become anaemic.
How is Genzyme helping patients with CLL?
Genzyme has two drugs which are used in the treatment of CLL.
The first of these treatments is a ‘monoclonal antibody’ which works in the same sort of way as the antibodies produced by the body’s own immune system. The active ingredient in the drug recognises the abnormal white blood cells, and then stimulates the immune system to destroy them.
The second treatment is a type of drug known as a ‘cytotoxic antimetabolite’ that works by attacking the DNA and RNA in the abnormal cells, stopping them from multiplying, and leading to cell death.
Sources: Cancer Research UK website; Source for CLL statistic: Netdoctor website; Genzyme Oncology press release
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
What is ALL?
For reasons that are not fully understood, a large number of abnormal white blood cells are produced and released by the bone marrow. This causes symptoms of anaemia, tiredness, joint pain, repeated infections, and bruising / nosebleeds. It usually develops quickly over days or weeks. It is the most common type of leukaemia to affect children – but it can also affect adults.
How is Genzyme helping patients with ALL?
One of Genzyme’s drugs is used in the treatment of ALL in children when previous treatments have not worked or have become ineffective. It interferes with the growth of abnormal white blood cells, and eventually kills them, working best against cells which are multiplying quickly, such as cancer cells. (This drug is undergoing research to see if it may have a role in the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia)
Sources: Genzyme press release; Evoltra PIL
Date of preparation: January 2011
