LABORATORY RESEARCH Targeting the SH2-Kinase Interface in Bcr-Abl Inhibits Leukemogenesis Here, scientists show that an intramolecular interaction between the SH2 and kinase domains in Bcr-Abl is both necessary and sufficient for high catalytic activity of the enzyme. [Cell] Abstract Correction of Sickle Cell Disease in Adult Mice by Interference with Fetal Hemoglobin Silencing Here, researchers show that the repressor BCL11A is required in vivo for silencing of γ-globin expression in adult animals, yet dispensable for red cell production. [Science] Abstract | Press Release Somatic Mutations in the Transcriptional Corepressor Gene BCORL1 in Adult Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Here scientists report the discovery of novel somatic mutations in the transcriptional corepressor gene BCORL1 that is located on the X-chromosome. [Blood] Abstract Galectin-3 Induced by Leukemia Microenvironment Promotes Drug Resistance and Bone Marrow Lodgment in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia In this study, researchers investigated the molecular mechanisms for bone marrow (BM) microenvironment-mediated drug resistance and BM lodgment in chronic myelogenous leukemia. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract Enrichment of Functionally Distinct Mouse Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Populations Using CD62L The details of the bifurcation of the lymphoid and myeloid lineages following commitment by multipotent progenitor cells remain a topic of controversy. Investigators report that the surface glycoprotein CD62L can be characterized as a novel marker of this and other stages of early hematopoietic differentiation. [J Immunol] Abstract Combined Preconditioning and In Vivo Chemoselection with 6-Thioguanine Alone Achieves Highly Efficient Reconstitution of Normal Hematopoiesis with HPRT Deficient Bone Marrow Here scientists have developed a novel and highly efficient strategy employing 6-thioguanine as a single agent for both conditioning and in vivo chemoselection of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT)-deficient HSC. [Exp Hematol] Abstract CLINICAL RESEARCH Fludarabine Plus Alemtuzumab Versus Fludarabine Alone in Patients with Previously Treated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Randomized Phase III Trial Researchers compared the efficacy and safety of the combination of fludarabine and alemtuzumab with fludarabine monotherapy in previously treated patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. [Lancet Oncol] Abstract | Press Release Front-Line Therapy with Second-Generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients with Early Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: What Is the Optimal Response? One hundred sixty-seven patients with newly diagnosed chronic myelogenous leukemia in chronic phase were treated with second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors in phase II trials (nilotinib, 81; dasatinib, 86). [J Clin Oncol] Abstract Multi-Institutional Phase II Clinical and Pharmacogenomic Trial of Tipifarnib Plus Etoposide for Elderly Adults with Newly Diagnosed Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Investigators selected 2 comparable dose levels of tipifarnib plus etoposide for a randomized Phase II trial in 84 adults (age 70-90, median 76) who were not candidates for conventional chemotherapy. [Blood] Abstract |