During the annual meeting of the European Hematology Association (EHA) professor E. Tiacci from the Institute of Hematology in Perugia, Italy will present groundbreaking news on the cause of a specific, rare subtype of leukemia, so-called hairy cell leukemia.

"With modern genetic technology we have discovered that in 46 out of 46 patients with hairy cell leukemia one specific gene in the DNA in the cell nucleus (BRAF gene) has undergone an irreversible change (called a "mutation"). Through this a cascade of events occurs which lead to continuous division/proliferation of the malignant cells in hairy cell leukemia"", says Tiacci.

Hairy cell leukemia is characterized by the piling up of leukemic cells in the bone marrow with a lack of production of normal blood cells, which might be life-threatening, as well as a large spleen, which may lead to significant complaints to the patients involved. Consequence of this discovery may be that specific drugs / molecules may be developed that inhibit the activated, mutated BRAF gene, thereby preventing continuous stimulation of leukemic cells to divide. Indeed, the first laboratory results employing these specific inhibitors show promising results.

About the EHA Annual Congress

After 15 congresses and constantly increasing number of delegates, the 16^th Congress of EHA will take place in London. Hematology is a specialty that covers everything to do with blood: its origin in the bone marrow, diseases (in the production) of blood and their treatments. The latest data on research and development within the wide spectrum of hematology are presented. The Congress is aimed at health professionals working in or interested in the field of hematology. The scientific program topics range from stem cell physiology and developments, to leukemia; lymphoma; myeloma; diagnosis and treatment; red blood cells; white blood cells and platelet disorders; hemophilia; thrombosis and bleeding disorders as well as transfusion and stem cell transplantation. Last year the congress in Barcelona welcomed over 9,000 participants.

For further information visit www.ehaweb.org/