Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer in the U.S. Looking for new ways to treat a subtype of this disease that affects T cells (T-ALL), Adolfo Ferrando, PhD, and colleagues investigated the metabolic systems used by leukemia cells to process nutrients. They found that a common genetic change in T-ALL enables leukemia cells to use a key metabolic pathway for energy and, in laboratory tests, blocking that pathway shuts down the cancer cells’ metabolism, stopping their growth. They also discovered that another genetic change can activate rescue pathways allowing the cancer cells to develop resistance to the anti-metabolic treatment and continue to thrive. By understanding the fundamentals of tumor cell energy use in this way, the researchers hope to improve treatment and overcome drug resistance in T-ALL. Dr. Ferrando is a 2011 SU2C Innovative Research Grant recipient.
- Who We Are
Stand Up To Cancer works relentlessly to offer the newest, most effective, and most promising cancer treatments to patients quickly by bringing together the best minds to collaborate, innovate, and share cancer research.
Visit Who We Are - What We Do
Stand Up To Cancer enables scientific breakthroughs by funding collaborative, multidisciplinary, multi-institutional scientific cancer research teams and investigators. Thanks to the support of our dedicated partners and the entertainment community, SU2C is able to bring widespread attention to cancer research and treatments.
Visit What We Do - Clinical Trials
Research is changing the way cancer is being treated. If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, a clinical trial may offer access to the latest and most promising science, while helping to light the path for future survivors.
Visit Clinical Trials - For Patients & Caregivers
We understand the challenges a diagnosis can bring. Browse through our list of patient and caregiver resources to help you throughout your cancer journey, and learn more about clinical trials.
Visit For Patients & Caregivers - Research
Stand Up To Cancer was created to accelerate groundbreaking cancer research that will get promising new cancer treatments to patients quickly. We won’t stop until every cancer patient is a long-term cancer survivor.
Visit Research - Ways to Give
Donations can be mailed to:
Stand Up To Cancer
P.O. Box 843721
Los Angeles, CA 90084-3721
Visit Ways to Give - Telecast 2023