Kiel doctoral student researches new therapies against leukemia!

Kiel doctoral student researches new therapies against leukemia!

The German José Carreras Leukemia Foundation (DJCLS) and the Society for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (GPOH) recently awarded the José Carreras GPOH doctoral scholarship to Denis Pinkle. Pinkle is a doctoral student at the Christian Albrechts University in Kiel (CAU) and works in leukemia research at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) in Kiel. The award, which has been awarded since 2016 and is endowed with 12,000 euros, was announced in a ceremonial setting. The aim of this scholarship is to support young scientists working on the development of new therapies for leukemia and other blood and bone marrow diseases.

In his dissertation, Pinkle focuses on the role of the messenger interleukin-7 (IL-7) in the development of resistance to existing therapies, particularly in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This form of leukemia is particularly common among children and adolescents and requires targeted research efforts. Pinkle's work is led by Dr. Lennart Lenk and Dr. Dennis Das Gupta, who is part of the DFG-funded clinical research group CATCH-ALL, supervises.

Research focus and challenges

The research group deals with the complications of ALL. Particular attention is paid to leukemia affecting the central nervous system and the development of treatment resistance. Such resistance can arise when cancer cells become insensitive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). These drugs are designed to inhibit the division of malignant precursor cells and thus limit tumor growth.

A central element of Pinkle's dissertation is the signaling protein IL-7. It is found in organs such as bone marrow and is crucial for the development of immune cells. One research approach could target how cancer cells use IL-7 niches to protect themselves against therapies. Pinkle and his group are studying how these niches are identified and used strategically to develop survival mechanisms.

Clinical application and outlook

The research collaboration with Professor Denis Schewe from the Technical University of Dresden is intended to help quickly transfer the knowledge gained into clinical practice. The overall goal is to increase the effectiveness of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for a larger number of patients and to prevent severe disease progression in affected children and adults.

Overall, Denis Pinkle's award demonstrates not only his personal academic achievements, but also the central role that ongoing research plays in the fight against leukemia and other blood-forming diseases. The support from the DJCLS and the GPOH is an important step in encouraging the next generations of scientists and developing innovative therapies.

For more information about the doctoral scholarship, visit the website Society for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology.