At the ASH 2023 Conference held in December, Jane Liesveld, a physician from the University of Rochester Medical Center, shared results from a collaboration concerning the IDH2 gene mutation. Watch the video below or continue reading to hear more about Dr. Liesveld's important research.

IDH2

The isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) mutation impairs a cell’s immune system and its macrophages (a type of white blood cell) that is necessary for eliminating diseased cells. This allows the cancerous cells to continue to grow in the bone marrow and lead to inflammatory changes. The IDH mutation increases in frequency with age and can lead to greater implications than previously understood.

IDH2 Mutation Can Lead To AML

This mutation occurs in 15%-20% of AML patients and has an affect on how genes are expressed. To better understand this mutation, murine cells were examined for their manifestation and survival. This collaboration discovered that when this mutation is present, MDS often evolves into AML. It also examined how AML cells break down (metabolize) in the body and how this mutation affects stem cells. More research is needed to understand how IDH2 genes grow and produce energy (metabolic substrates).

Promising Future

This abstract study was initiated to begin to better understand this gene mutaiton and its affects on the AML cell. Targeting IDH2 is a future treatment goal.

See these articles for further information on IDH2:

Understanding the IDH1 and IDH2 mutations

Recent Drug Approvals For AML Part 2: IDH Inhibitors

Common Genetic Mutations Found In AML

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