University of Virginia scientists identify treatment for lethal form of bone cancer: 'We hope that our exciting laboratory finding will translate into clinical trials'

Researchers at the University of Virginia's (UVA) Cancer Center have identified a cytokine capable of treating a lethal form of bone marrow cancer, according to an article published by the UVA Health Newsroom.

The research team, led by Golam Mohi, a Ph.D., discovered interleukin-1 (IL-1), which can be used as a possible treatment for myelofibrosis, a potentially deadly variant of bone marrow cancer. 

Myelofibrosis is caused by bone marrow overproducing blood cells, which can cause symptoms such as headaches, fevers, fatigue, weakness, bone pain, bleeding and an enlarged spleen. Currently, the only potential cure is a bone marrow transplant, but this isn't feasible for many patients due to the associated risks and complications.

Mohi's team learned that IL-1 contributes to myelofibrosis, believing that targeting it could prevent the disease from progressing and spare the bone marrow from harmful scarring, which is a signature symptom of the disease. Currently, the JAK2 inhibitors, ruxolitinib and fedratinib, are approved therapies for myelofibrosis, but they don't significantly reduce bone marrow fibrosis.

IL-1 sends signals that amplify inflammation in the body and cause harmful changes in the bone marrow. The research team was able to block the process in lab mice using an antibody, dramatically reducing marrow scarring. 

They also studied the levels of interleukin-1 in human patients and learned that patients had elevated levels of two forms of IL-1, strengthening the case for IL-1 or IL-1 receptors as a solid treatment target. They currently believe that combination therapies, targeting both JAK2 and IL-1, could be useful for treating myelofibrosis.

“Based on the findings from this study, we suggest that combination therapies targeting both JAK2 and IL-1 could be useful for treatment of myelofibrosis,” Mohi said. “We hope that our exciting laboratory finding will translate into clinical trials and make significant improvement in the treatment of patients with myelofibrosis.”

In early 2022, UVA became one of only 53 cancer centers in the United States to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) by the National Cancer Institute. 

The label recognizes elite cancer centers with the most influential and important cancer programs in the country. CCCs are expected to meet rigorous standards for innovative research and groundbreaking clinical trials.

UVA's efforts to improve care and treatment for rare blood cancers were strengthened during the 2022 summer season following an anonymous donation of $5.75 million, allowing the school's cancer center to accelerate research efforts and provide more patients with access to new clinical trials.