Exploring checkpoint inhibitors in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Project by Polygence alum Navya
Project's result
Through my research on Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, I created a paper analyzing current and emerging treatments, comparing their effectiveness, and highlighting new therapies such as CAR-T, checkpoint inhibitors and TKI's that may improve survival rates in pediatric patients. This project aims to help raise awareness of evolving treatment options and provide a clear comparison for future studies.
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Summary
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the overproduction of immature white blood cells called lymphoblasts and is the most common type of childhood cancer. From 1998 to 2016, ALL incidence rates have increased from 110,000 to 200,000 cases each year. This research paper explores the effectiveness of checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T therapy versus traditional treatments in improving survival rates for pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of leukemia found in children. With the emergence of these new therapies, there is growing interest in understanding their potential to help young patients who face this cancer. The paper examines survival data and long-term outcomes associated with these treatments. By evaluating the advantages and limitations of each approach, this study aims to offer insights into the future of pediatric ALL treatment, with a focus on maximizing patient survival and quality of life.
Janice
Polygence mentor
MD/PhD Doctor of Medicine and of Philosophy candidate
Subjects
Medicine, Engineering, Biology
Expertise
tissue engineering, biomaterials, biomechanics. stem cells
Check out their profile
Navya
Student
Hi, my name is Navya. I chose to study Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) because someone close to me struggled with this disease, and I wanted to better understand both the science behind it and the progress being made in treatment. Through this project, I hope to explore potential therapies that could improve survival rates and quality of life for patients. After completing my research, I would like to continue studying the field of medicine so I can contribute to developing new treatments and helping families affected by illnesses like ALL.
Graduation Year
2026
Project review
“Overall, it was a valuable and inspiring opportunity that strengthened my interest in pursuing medicine and research in the future. I really enjoyed this experience because it gave me insight into how research is done outside of the classroom. Working with my mentor taught me how to analyze information more carefully and connect what I was learning to real-world applications.”
About my mentor
“Janice is truly the best mentor you could ask for. I am so grateful to have had her as my mentor.”