Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) begins when stem cells inside the bone marrow become abnormal. These abnormal cells produce immature white blood cells called blasts that continue to grow out of control and overcrowd normal blood cells like red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. CMML cells prevent healthy cells from developing into mature blood cells. 

The CMML Special Initiative

CMML research aims to find effective, targeted therapies. “Targeted molecular therapy is a type of personalized medical therapy designed to treat cancer by interrupting unique molecular abnormalities that drive cancer growth.“ The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society plans to invest $13 million over five years in a special initiative that centers on targeted research to better understand CMML and provide essential, innovative treatment options.

One of the initiatives supported by the LLS's Special Initiative includes research from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom led by Sam Butterworth, PhD, utilizing CCL2-drug conjugates to target and eliminate cancer cells. This project will run from November 1, 2023 to October 31, 2026. “CMML is a type of blood cancer with few effective treatments and most patients have poor prognosis. To address this problem we have come up with a new approach using drugs that specifically attach to and eliminate the key cells responsible for the disease, more efficiently and accurately.”

How CCL2 Works

CCL2 is a manufactured protein that is naturally absorbed by the body into its blood cells. It attaches to another protein, called CCR2, that is found on the outside of CMML cells. Healthy cells are not affected. Potent drugs can be delivered through this avenue, directly to the cancerous cells.

A New Approach

Currently, the lead drug being tested is CCL2-MM145, which has been shown to effectively kill cancer cells. “In our proposed project we aim to speed up the development of CCL2-MM145 and bring it to CMML patients in clinical trials.” The goals of this initiative are to:

• Better understand the unique characteristics of CMML cells and how they work
• Uncover what makes these cells sensitive or resistant to CCL2-MM145
• Learn about the beneficial and harmful effects of this new treatment
• Determine how CCL2-MM145 may work in combination with other medications

Conclusion

Patients with CMML, even in advanced stages, are living longer lives due to new treatment options and continued cancer research. This special initiative will provide vital treatment information and options for patients. Dr. Butterworth and his team have extensive experience in developing new drugs, understanding CMML biology, and conducting clinical trials, so HealthTree Foundation is hopeful that this important initiative will lead to expanded treatment options for those with CMML.