Researchers are hoping to improve treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) by exploiting cancer cells’ dependence on mitochondria – where the energy that cells need is produced.
Dr Natasha Kirienko from Rice University in Texas, USA, is an expert in mitochondrial metabolism and believes there is potential for “fundamental” improvements in AML care and the development of safe and effective treatments.
Dr Kirienko said: “Cancer cells grow so rapidly that they place a tremendous burden on their mitochondria – the cell’s energy producers – but they also disrupt the mechanisms that keep these mitochondria healthy.
“We’ve discovered that targeting this mitochondrial dysfunction can selectively kill AML cells while leaving healthy blood cell...
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