Michael Hallek. M.D. University of Cologne (Germany)

THERAPY/ PROGNOSTIC

Targeting Src-family kinases (SFKs) by membrane-permeant peptides

Update:

Src family kinases (SFKs) appear to be involved in the transduction of signals from the microenvironment of CLL cells to the inside. Therefore, we proposed to study the role of SFKs in CLL cells and tested the effects of small molecule kinase inhibitors on CLL cells freshly isolated from patients´ blood samples.

With dasatinib, a Src/Abl inhibitor that is already successfully used for treating chronic myeloid leukemia, we observed surprisingly clear-cut inhibition of SFK activity in CLL cells. Treatment with dasatinib killed freshly isolated CLL cells and model cell lines. Cell death induction was strongest in CLL cells belonging to unfavorable prognostic subgroups. In summary, our findings in cell culture systems suggest the study of dasatinib for treating CLL in combination with other drugs.