Scientists in Portugal have identified a promising therapeutic strategy that may improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy for patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), one of the most aggressive forms of blood cancer. The findings, published in the scientific journal Science Translational Medicine, could pave the way for new supportive treatments aimed at reducing some of the serious side effects associated with conventional cancer therapy.
The research was conducted by investigators at the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S) of the University of Porto, Portugal, in collaboration with specialists in haematology and oncology. Their work focused on addressing a well-recognised challenge in AML treatment: the toxic effects that intensive chemotherapy can have on healthy tissues, particularly the bone marrow.
Targeting Iron Imbalance After Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia. Although it can successfully destroy malignant cells, it may also disrupt normal biological processes and contribute to excessive accumulation of iron in the body. Elevated levels of circulating iron have been associated with tissue damage, impaired immune responses and increased vulnerability to infections.
To address this issue, the Portuguese research team investigated the use of apotransferrin, a form of transferrin that is not bound to iron. Transferrin is a naturally occurring protein responsible for transporting iron through the bloodstream and maintaining iron balance within the body.
According to the study, administration of apotransferrin alongside chemotherapy helped capture excess iron and redistribute it to healthy bone marrow and immune cells. Experimental models demonstrated that this approach significantly reduced toxic iron levels following cancer treatment.
Improved Recovery and Infection Resistance
One of the most significant findings was the observed improvement in bone marrow recovery after chemotherapy. Healthy bone marrow is essential for producing blood cells and supporting immune function, both of which are frequently compromised during intensive cancer treatment.
Researchers also examined the therapy’s potential role during severe infections, a major cause of mortality among patients with acute myeloid leukaemia. In preclinical models involving bacterial infection, subjects receiving apotransferrin showed longer survival compared with those receiving standard treatment alone.
Interestingly, the benefit did not appear to result from direct antibacterial activity. Instead, investigators reported that the therapy helped regulate excessive inflammatory responses, allowing the body to manage infection more effectively while limiting harmful immune overreaction.
Path Towards Clinical Evaluation
Following these encouraging results, the team in Portugal is preparing to advance the research into clinical settings. Future studies are expected to be carried out in collaboration with the early-phase clinical trials unit at the Portuguese Oncology Institute in Porto.
The planned clinical investigation will seek to determine whether combining transferrin-based therapy with standard chemotherapy is both safe and beneficial for patients living with acute myeloid leukaemia. Researchers hope that this strategy may ultimately improve survival outcomes, enhance recovery after treatment and reduce complications linked to immune suppression and iron toxicity.
Growing Interest in Supportive Cancer Therapies
The study reflects a broader trend in oncology research, where scientists are increasingly exploring ways to make existing cancer treatments more effective while minimising adverse effects. By improving the body's ability to recover from chemotherapy, supportive therapies may play an important role in enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.
While further clinical testing remains necessary before the approach can be adopted in routine practice, the findings from Portugal represent a significant step towards more targeted and less toxic treatment strategies for patients facing acute myeloid leukaemia.