Innovative Combo Therapy May Boost Survival for AML Patients with Proteasome Inhibitors

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have discovered that acute myeloid leukemia cells survive proteasome inhibitors by activating backup stress-response systems, revealing new treatment avenues.

• A study from the University of California, San Diego identifies that acute myeloid leukemia cells utilize alternative pathways to survive when treated with proteasome inhibitors, unlike cells in multiple myeloma.
• The research highlights that acute myeloid leukemia cells activate autophagy mechanisms, allowing them to bypass the effects of proteasome inhibition, which is critical for managing this aggressive cancer.
• The findings shed light on mutations within acute myeloid leukemia cells that enhance their resilience against proteasome inhibitors, paving the way for innovative combination therapies.