New research that aims to find a way to detect relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) cells sooner has been funded, thanks to 11 Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group Special Named Funds.
Fight ALL Together, #TeamMax ALL Fund, Arabella’s Leukaemia (ALL) Research Fund, Stand with Sofia, Elliott’s Warrior Fund, Toti Worboys Fund, Harley James Reynolds Fund, Josh’s Gold Star Fund, Fred Bennett’s ‘Don’t Look Down’ Fund, The Henry Gloag Fund and Eden’s Fierce Fight have all supported the new research.
Titled, ‘Developing ways to identify chemotherapy resistant B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cells’, this research is led by Dr Elitza Deltcheva from University College London. Her work could lead to tests to identify when patients may be relapsing and give doctors the tools to better monitor their patients during chemotherapy.
In her project, Dr Deltcheva hopes to be able to predict which B-ALL cells are likely to survive treatment. If researchers can understand what makes these cells survive, they would be able to fight them better. She said:
Even though cancer treatment is long and very toxic, some cancer cells can survive and cause the disease to return - sometimes years after the initial diagnosis.
In this project, we are trying to understand what makes these cells different from the rest and how to identify them. Our ultimate goal is to develop tools that will help doctors identify the cells that may survive therapy and kill them from the onset. If successful, this could prevent relapses and cure more children.
Dr Deltcheva will use leukaemia samples provided by the VIVO Biobank, as part of a new collaboration between the biobank and CCLG. The biobank, co-funded by Cancer Research UK and Blood Cancer UK, stores the majority of children’s and young people’s cancer samples in the UK and the new partnership bypasses the need for researchers to collect cancer samples, allowing them to dedicate more time and funding to carrying out meaningful research.
Anthony Morrman, Deputy Director of VIVO Biobank said:
Whilst we have several good tests to help predict which children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia will relapse, we have much less understanding about the type of cells that cause relapse.
It is incredible to see research into this because it could be a total gamechanger in the way we detect and treat relapses.
Dr Deltcheva said: “As a parent myself, I can’t imagine the unbearable pain that one goes through when their child’s diagnosed with cancer. I’m truly honoured and grateful to have been given this special funding. Combined with the VIVO Biobank cancer samples, it will help me translate my research into the clinic faster.”
After her son Harley died in 2016, just weeks after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), Chelsie Turner set up the Harley James Reynolds Fund. Dr Deltcheva will be working on the same type of cancer that Harley had.
Chelsie explained what the fund means to her and her family:
The Harley James Reynolds Fund gives us a chance to keep Harley’s memory alive and to raise money and support to find a cure, so no other parent has to bury their child.
It means the world to us, to be able to regroup as a family, coming up with different ideas for raising the much-needed funds in honour and memory of Harley.
None of us will ever 'get over' the death of Harley. But for some, it gives us a purpose to keep sharing his little face. And a reason to carry on.
Jessica Adams set up Stand with Sofia after her daughter Sofia was diagnosed with ALL, for which she is still undergoing treatment for, in 2023. She spoke of her pride at having been part of funding a project, less than a year after starting the Special Named Fund. She said:
It’s the biggest honour to help fund this project. Relapse is always on our mind - what if the cancer comes back and treatment doesn’t work again, or what if she relapses after treatment ends?
It's really good to see relapse is being researched.
Vicki Brunt, Head of Fundraising at CCLG, said: “Our Special Named Fund families are truly amazing. Their dedication and passion make a real difference in advancing our understanding and treatment of childhood cancer.
“It’s inspiring to think how many families might benefit from Dr Deltcheva’s work in the future.”