Laniado Leukemia Research
Clinical research on biological drugs to treat Leukemia
Dr. Shlomo Bulvik, director of the Hematology Department at Laniado Hospital, is currently involved in two major studies in the field of leukemia. The research which received the approval of the Ethics (Helsinki) Committee, is at an advanced stage involving a great deal of patient participation.
Patients are receiving innovative drugs designed to significantly delay the progression of the disease. These drugs activate various inhibiting mechanisms on cancer cell growth. “The clinical trial has reached a decisive stage that examines not only the safety of the drugs, but primarily their effectiveness in arresting the progression of the disease and improving the quality of life for the patients,” says Dr. Bulvik. “The Research Unit at Laniado’s Hematology Department is one of many research centers around the world that are participating in this research. Each hospital has a part in identifying and recruiting potential candidates for experimental testing, and real-time results are shared among all the physicians who are participating in the experiment.”
The research at Laniado is focusing on biological and chemical treatment for multiple myeloma and lymphoma. “The world of medicine is marching toward biological treatment,” adds Dr. Bulvik. “The major significance of this is the reduction of side effects, since these drugs are based on human proteins. Furthermore, biological drugs can treat cancer cells in a more targeted fashion.” Patients participating in the study undergo a comprehensive series of tests to ensure that they can undergo the clinical trial and derive the greatest possible benefit from it. “We are at the final, approval stage of a number of additional studies on leukemia and I have no doubt that the benefits to people suffering from cancer will significantly improve their quality of life,” concludes Dr. Bulvik.