The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Release: Groundbreaking Research On Connection Between Kaposi Sarcoma Herpes Virus And B Cell Lymphoma Could Lead To Improved Therapies

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Research showing how Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) induced a pre-lymphoma condition, and in some cases true lymphoma in mice, represents a major breakthrough in understanding the genesis of this particular type of blood cancer.

The findings are featured as the cover story of this month's Journal of Clinical Investigation. The research was led by Dirk Dittmer, PhD., University of North Carolina, and funded by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Dr. Dittmer's work shows that a particular viral gene in the KSHV caused the pre-malignant and malignant changes, further suggesting that this gene might be a novel disease marker, and a valid target for anti-lymphoma therapy. Because only the cancer cells carry the virus, one or more of the existing anti-viral therapies might help patients with this particular type of B cell lymphoma, and specific gene tests might be used to predict if patients with virally-associated lymphomas will benefit from treatment with anti-viral drugs.

Dr. Dittmer is the recipient of a Translational Research Grant from the Society, a program that supports outstanding investigative research showing strong promise of translating basic biomedical knowledge into new and better treatments for blood cancers. The program's goal is to accelerate the transfer of findings from the laboratory to clinical application, ultimately prolonging and enhancing patients' lives.

"The goal of the Translational Research Program is to provide researchers with the resources to advance diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of blood cancers in the near term," said Marshall Lichtman, the Society's Executive Vice President for Research and Medical Programs. "Dr. Dittmer's research may lead to earlier diagnosis, potentially prevention, and provide the insights to develop a better treatment for a particular group of lymphoma patients."

Dr. Dittmer said that the Society's support was fundamental in moving his research forward.

"I am truly grateful to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for having confidence in my work and providing me with this funding," Dr. Dittmer said. "I am hopeful that our work studying how herpes viruses alter normal immune cells in biology to create malignancies will help determine whether certain lymphoma patients might respond to anti-viral therapy."

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society(R), headquartered in White Plains, NY, with 66 chapters in the United States and Canada, is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. The Society's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $424 million in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Last year alone, the Society made 2.5 million contacts with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals.

For more information about blood cancer, visit http://www.LLS.org or call the Society's Information Resource Center (IRC), a call center staffed by master's level social workers, nurses and health educators who provide information, support and resources to patients and their families and caregivers. IRC information specialists are available at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

Contact:

Andrea Greif

914-821-8958

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

CONTACT: Andrea Greif of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, +1-914-821-8958

Web site: http://www.LLS.org/