Acute myeloid leukaemia is a form of bone marrow cancer that is difficult to cure, with approximately 25% of patients alive five years after diagnosis. Recent findings indicate that the immune system of the patient before stem cell transplantation plays a crucial role in the recovery from leukaemia. Intestinal bacteria, in turn, can influence this immune system.  

With his grant, Alexander de Porto aims to explore whether specific compositions of intestinal bacteria and their metabolites (metabolic products) are linked to the presence or absence of leukaemia cells in the bone marrow following chemotherapy and preceding stem cell transplantation. 

Immune system dynamics in leukaemia recovery 

Alexander: ‘The treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia involves chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant. We now understand that the immune system significantly contributes to leukaemia recovery by attacking cancer cells during chemotherapy. However, there is a risk of the immune system becoming paralysed, diminishing its ability to eliminate cancer cells. This increases the likelihood of the leukaemia returning after the treatment.' 

Intestinal bacteria can influence the immune system through various mechanisms, including the production of metabolites that enter the bloodstream and impact the immune system in the bone marrow. However, in many leukaemia patients, the composition of intestinal bacteria and metabolites is disrupted, potentially contributing to an impaired immune system.  

The relationship between intestinal bacteria and metabolites 

Alexander: ‘Our research will focus on two aspects. Firstly, we will explore whether specific compositions of intestinal bacteria and their metabolites are linked to the presence or absence of leukaemia cells in the bone marrow after chemotherapy and before stem cell transplantation.  

Additionally, we aim to identify a relationship between the composition of intestinal bacteria and their metabolites and the functioning of the immune system, including any signs of paralysis, before stem cell transplantation. With these insights, we ultimately hope to positively influence the composition of intestinal bacteria in leukaemia patients and thus increasing the chances of survival.’  

New call in 2024

The next call for the AUF Starting Grant will be launched in 2024, probably in spring. Interested young scientists can find additional information on this website (will be updated this spring). Contact address: rs-startstipendium@amsterdamumc.nl.