Translational Research

DFG-funded projects:

Development of Janus-kinase inhibitors has revolutionized the therapeutic landscape for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasia (MPN). Following approval of the Jak1/2-inhibitor ruxolitinib (Rux), symptoms of this inflammatory disease, characterized by crippling splenomegaly, release of inflammatory cytokines and appearance of thrombosis, could be effectively reduced for the first time. However, in contrast to inhibitors of the BCR-ABL kinase in chronic myelogeneous leukemia (CML), inhibition of Janus-kinases does not result in any significant reduction of the malignant clone. In our preliminary experiments we identified downstream-effectors of mutated Jak2-kinase. In this project we aim to functionally characterize downstream effectors of Jak2 kinas in vitro and in vivo. In the future, our experimental approach may therefore facilitate therapeutic reduction of the malignant clone in Jak2V617F driven MPN.

PI: Prof. Dr. F. Heidel
Funding: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
Funding ID: HE6223/4-1
Funding Period: 2017-2020

Foundation-funded projects:

Clonal development of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): Investigation of prevalence, kinetics, clonal hierarchy and prognostic implications of BCR-ABL independent clonal aberrations.

PI: PD Dr. med. Thomas Ernst
Funding Agency: Deutsche José Carreras Leukämie-Stiftung e.V.
Funding ID: DJCLS R15/20
Funding Period: 01.04.2016 - 31.03.2018

Prognostic and functional relevance of LASP1 in CML patients with BCR-ABL-independent mechanisms of resistance: In the present project, the functional relevance for leukemogenesis of pathophysiologically de-regulated interactions between LASP1 and its binding partners will be elucidated.

PL: Dr. med. Jochen Frietsch
Funding agency: German Cancer Aid
Funding ID: 70112142
Funding Period: 01.01.2017 – 31.12.2018

Clinical research

Current clinical trials in the department of Haematology and Medical Oncology here

The German CML Alliance

The German CML Alliance is a nationwide initiative which works to create wider and easier access to innovative treatment.

The CML Alliance brings together physicians and study personnel from all medical settings—i.e. private practice, medical care centers, municipal and private hospitals as well as university medical centers—laboratory diagnosticians and patient advocates in an effort to improve the infrastructure for clinical research in Germany.

The CML Alliance is coordinated from a project office at the Jena University Hospital. Visit the CML Alliace online at www.cml-allianz.de