Summary
Leukemias are a challenge and a cost factor to society because of their frequency
in all age groups. They also serve as a model for a variety of diseases and possess
exemplary relevance for basic research and patient care. Leukemia research and
therapy have achieved high standards and even a leading position in Germany with
regard to clinical trials, standardization of diagnostics and molecular studies
of prognostic factors, signal transduction and gene expression. Progress is hampered,
however, by fragmentation of leukemia trial groups, diagnostic approaches and
treatment research activities.
A network was therefore created to integrate the leading leukemia trial groups
on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphatic
leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and chronic myeloproliferative
diseases (CMPD) and their interdisciplinary partners (diagnostics, treatment research,
biometry) in cooperation with basic research and pharmaceutical industry to foster
advancements in leukemia-related research and health care through clinical trials,
promotion of translational research, introduction of standards for diagnostics
and therapy, and development of evidence-based guidelines.
Achievements include establishment of central information, communication and management
structures, creation of an AML intergroup comprising five study groups, formation
of a myelodysplastic syndromes study group and establishment of platforms for
diagnostics, genomics and proteomics, and medical informatics. Exchange of scientific
progress is mediated by intra- and internet, biannual newsletters, regular project
group meetings and annual network symposia.
Already now, the network structures leukemia therapy and research in Germany and
supports the spread of scientific excellence in the field of leukemias.
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1 Gefördert durch das Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, Förderkennzeichen:
01GI0270
Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Hehlmann
III. Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Klinikum Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg
Wiesbadener Straße 7-11
68305 Mannheim
Phone: +49/0/621/3834234
Fax: +49/0/621/3834239
Email: r.hehlmann@urz.uni-heidelberg.de