The discovery of the BRAF V600E mutation in almost all cases of hairy-cell leukemia has led to the widespread adoption of the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib for treatment of chemotherapy-resistant cases. Impressive responses are reported; however, acquired resistance is common. Whilst diverse mechanisms of vemurafenib resistance have been elucidated in melanoma, the basis of resistance in HCL is unclear. Here we apply whole genome and deep targeted sequencing to investigate resistance mechanisms ... (Show More)

The discovery of the BRAF V600E mutation in almost all cases of hairy-cell leukemia has led to the widespread adoption of the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib for treatment of chemotherapy-resistant cases. Impressive responses are reported; however, acquired resistance is common. Whilst diverse mechanisms of vemurafenib resistance have been elucidated in melanoma, the basis of resistance in HCL is unclear. Here we apply whole genome and deep targeted sequencing to investigate resistance mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies in a patient with aquired resistance to vemurafenib.

Leukaemia and related blood cancers occur due to genetic changes that typically accumulate over many years. This study will employ targeted next-generation sequencing to retrace the preclinical evolution of several types of haematological malignancy. Investigating the progression of the earliest pre-malignant ancestral clones promises to offer valuable insights into early leukaemia evolution and therapeutic vulnerabilities of leukaemia stem cells.

Leukaemia and related blood cancers occur due to genetic changes that typically accumulate over many years. This study will employ targeted next-generation sequencing to retrace the preclinical evolution of several types of haematological malignancy. Investigating the progression of the earliest pre-malignant ancestral clones promises to offer valuable insights into early leukaemia evolution and therapeutic vulnerabilities of leukaemia stem cells.