Seminar series: Non-genetic mechanisms of therapeutic sensitivity and resistance in the myeloid malignancies

Myeloid malignancies are uncommon but deadly cancers. Despite extensive investigation of coding mutations and the development of targeted therapies, there remains a major need for new therapies and treatment approaches. Decision-making around post-remission therapy is based on genetic risk stratification at diagnosis along with donor availability, patient fitness and patient preferences. However, current genetic approaches are inadequate in predicting the course of disease for many patients. Recently our group created a gene-expression based classifier, the AML Prognostic Score, from RNA-seq performed on AML cases at diagnosis, and validated this score on three large independent datasets, as well as in a prospective trial. Our findings implicate gene expression, independent of gene variants, and by extension epigenomic states, as being an additional critical factor in predicting outcome and elucidating potential mechanisms of resistance and relapse. This seminar will focus on some of our work on the role of the epigenome in the pathogenesis and therapy resistance of myeloid cancers

This lecture is part of the CBR lecture series. Held on Wednesdays from 1-2pm PT, CBR seminars feature insightful scientific talks, with speakers from a range of clinical, industry and academic backgrounds.

Presented by

Dr. Aly Karsan
Hematopathologist, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, BC Cancer
Distinguished Scientist, Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer
Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UBC
Tier 1 Canada Research Chair, Myeloid Cancers

Hosted by: Dr. Chris Overall

Registration

For information about CBR Seminar series events, visit the CBR website: CBR Seminars | Centre for Blood Research (ubc.ca). To receive Zoom access details for CBR Seminar series events, contact Kaitlyn Chuong (kaitlyn.chuong@ubc.ca).