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New glimmer of hope in the fight against acute leukemia: millions for research!
The CAU Kiel leads the funded research group CATCH ALL to improve therapies against acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
New glimmer of hope in the fight against acute leukemia: millions for research!
The German Research Foundation (DFG) has funded the CATCH ALL clinical research group with over five million euros for the years 2026 to 2030. Under the leadership of Professors Claudia Baldus and Matthias Peipp, both of whom work at the Christian Albrechts University in Kiel and the University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, CATCH ALL will use new technologies to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This cancer is particularly common in children, although it also affects adults. The survival rate in children is around 90%, while it is significantly lower in adults. A key problem remains the recurrence of the disease, which represents a major challenge in all age groups. Loud uni-kiel.de The goal of CATCH ALL is to identify innovative immunotherapies and new therapeutic target structures.
The research collaboration is made up of basic researchers and clinicians from the CAU, the UKSH and the Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital Dresden. Funding from the DFG strengthens the important connection between scientific findings and clinical application in practice. In the next funding phase, a particular focus will be on the interactions between malignant cells and their microenvironment.
Challenges in treating ALL
The treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is particularly complex because the highest relapse rates occur within the first two years after achieving complete remission (CR). Studies show that overall survival for ALL relapses is less than 10%. Early relapses, i.e. relapses within 18 months of remission, are particularly unfavorable. It is also emphasized that patients with relapsed or refractory ALL should be quickly referred to an experienced center, as relapses are considered a medical emergency. The initial diagnosis in the event of a relapse is essential in order to make the best possible treatment decision, which depends on factors such as the subtype of leukemia, duration of remission and age. onkopedia.com offers numerous therapy recommendations in such situations.
A particular focus is on new forms of therapy such as blinatumomab and inotuzumab ozogamicin, which bring significant improvements in the CR rate and median survival time. Inotuzumab, an immunoconjugate consisting of an anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody and cytotoxin, shows in studies a CR rate of 80.7% and median survival times of 7.7 months, while traditional chemotherapies provide worse results. This is particularly significant because 41% of patients treated with inotuzumab are eligible for stem cell transplantation, compared to only 11% of the chemotherapy group. aerzteblatt.de documents these findings and the improvement in long-term survival chances through new treatment approaches.
The noticeable shift towards more innovative forms of therapy is a positive signal for patients and doctors who are looking for better solutions in the treatment of this challenging disease. The goal remains to achieve complete remission and qualify patients for stem cell transplants, which can lead to higher survival.