Certain patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who take nilotinib daily may have achieved such deep remissions that they may be able to stop their treatment, according to a recent FDA decision
When the targeted oral therapy, imatinib (Gleevec®) was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001, it revolutionized treatment for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), turning an almost certain death sentence into a chronic disease for most patients who receive the diagnosis. LLS played a significant role in the drug’s discovery and development, funding the preclinical and clinical research of Brian Druker, M.D., whose work led to its approval.
We’ve just concluded one of the most historic years on record in terms of new therapy approvals for blood cancers. In all, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 18 therapies to treat patients with blood cancers, including some entirely new agents and some new uses for already approved drugs.
Among these approvals were the first new therapies – four to be precise – for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after a 40-year drought in treatment advances for this deadly blood cancer. And two revolutionary CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) T-cell immunotherapies, which reprogram the body’s own T cells to find and kill cancer cells were approved for patients with leukemia and lymphoma. I’m proud to say that The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) played a role in all but three of these advancements.
Shining light on the urgent need for blood cancer cures
Burlington Stores and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Light The Night campaign’s 16th consecutive year of partnership in the fight against blood cancers was a big success. As LLS’s #1 National Corporate Partner and Honored Friend, Burlington Stores raised $3.3 million to fund blood cancer research and help patients access lifesaving treatments and cures.
Funds were raised through a national 12-week in-store promotion from September 17 through December 9, where customers were encouraged to donate to the cause at check-out. The campaign featured young “heroes” who are blood cancer survivors. All donations are used to invest in lifesaving research and breakthrough treatments for blood cancer patients.
Timed to Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September, Burlington hosted a premier event to celebrate the campaign launch in its flagship store in New York City’s Union Square on September 19. Multi-platinum recording artist and actress, Jordin Sparks, surprised three young blood cancer survivors with an unforgettable day that included full fashion makeovers and a brand new fall wardrobe. These young heroes also were part of the in-store campaign at all Burlington Stores nationwide.
Burlington Stores and LLS believe in the power of teamwork, and have proven that each and every donation helps in the fight against blood cancer.
“Burlington is truly bringing us closer to our goal of a world without blood cancers,” said Louis J. DeGennaro, PhD, LLS president and chief executive officer. “Over the past 16 years, Burlington has raised more than $32 million to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients around the world. Their longstanding commitment to LLS is essential to making sure we continue to advance research and ensure access to treatments to help save more lives.”
Congratulations to all the Burlington associates in the more than 600 stores across the United States and in Puerto Rico, and all of their generous customers!
