Abstract B23: Detection of susceptibility to childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Currently, there are no known methods to predict of susceptibility to, and means for prevent Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). We have evaluated and patented a group of proteins dubbed Protein X from a certain strain of Aspergillus Flavus (AF) and developed methods for screening and identifying totally asymptomatic patients in remission of ALL, including long term survivors of this disease, distinguishing them from normal controls. Subject to institutional approved consents/assents, 15-20 ml of blood was obtained from 40 cases of ALL in children and young adults, including long term survivors of ALL. Controls were normal individuals, sickle cell patients undergoing partial exchange transfusion and patients with solid tumors. Mononuclear leukocytes (MNL) of ALL patients in remission and controls were separated using Ficoll Paque Plus (GE Healthcare). Epstein Barr virus (EBV) was obtained commercially. Positive and negative controls for Protein X were aflatoxin and Mycocladus Corymbifera (MC). Avian leukosis virus (ALV) was used as control for EBV. MNL were co-incubated with Protein X ± EBV ± irradiation, for periods of 1-72 hours. Controls were treated identically with appropriate substitutions. Test and control MNLs were examined for genetic markers, NF-B and cell surface markers (CSM) including CD10/CD19, CD34/CD19, and CD34/CD117. Changes were expressed as percentage of control. Using ELISA, plasmas were tested for antibodies against Protein X ± EBV t...
Source: Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Improving Cancer Risk Prediction for Prevention and Early Detection: Poster Presentations - Proffered Abstracts Source Type: research