Selective depletion of a minor subpopulation of B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells is followed by a delayed but progressive loss of bulk tumor cells and disease regression

• Main Authors: Goodell Margaret A, Andreeff Michael, Carrum George, Savoldo Barbara, Yvon Eric, Dotti Gianpietro, Lu An, Biagi Ettore, Okur Fatma V, Foster Aaron E, Heslop Helen E, Brenner Malcolm K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2009-11-01
• Series: Molecular Cancer
• Online Access: http://www.molecular-cancer.com/content/8/1/106

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Cancer precursor/progenitor cells may initiate and sustain the growth of tumors, but evidence for their existence in human disease is indirect, relying on their <it>in vitro </it>properties and animal models. More directly, specific elimination of these rare cells from cancer patients should produce a delayed but progressive disappearance of differentiated malignant progeny. Here, we describe selective eradication of a putative precursor population in a patient with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, followed 6 months later by a progressive loss of mature tumor cells without further treatment. This outcome supports the presence of a rare population of precursor/progenitor cells in human malignancies, and suggests benefit from their removal.</p>