Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rapidly progressing disease that remains one of the most deadly blood cancers, killing more than 10,000 Americans a year. Despite advances in treating other blood cancers, the standard of treatment for AML – a combination of toxic chemotherapies – had changed little over the past four decades. In October 2016, LLS launched its Beat AML Master Clinical Trial, a collaborative precision medicine clinical trial that gives patients targeted therapies based on their genetic markers.[5]

LLS is leading the Beat AML Master Clinical Trial [8] and is the first nonprofit cancer organization to sponsor a clinical trial. The trial consists of a collaboration among multiple leading cancer centres and pharmaceutical companies, a clinical research organization, and a genomics analysis company. The protocol for the trial was developed with input from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Beat AML Master Clinical Trial is expected to eventually include 500 patients and will continue for at least two years at between 15 and 20 clinical sites.

LLS currently contributes hundreds of thousands of dollars per year towards research into immunotherapies targeting acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). As part of a wider funding effort including over a dozen other cancer immunotherapy projects, they hope to support more effective and targeted treatments utilizing the human body's own internal attack mechanisms.[9]

In late 2017, LLS awarded researchers at UNC School of Medicine a $600 thousand grant for clinical research on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies with an immunosuppressive "safety switch". This approach could mitigate potentially lethal side effects of immunotherapy—such as cytokine release syndrome—for ALL treatments by halting the activity of infused T cells, in the event of a patient experiencing treatment toxicity.[9]

One of the 2011 Light the Night events held at Parramatta Stadium in Sydney, Australia.

The Light the Night Walk is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's walk to build awareness of blood cancers as well as raise money for research and support of patients and their families.[13][14] It is held in over 200 communities in North America each fall[15] as well as almost 100 in Australia.[16]

Walkers carry illuminated lanterns of different colors.[17] White balloons are carried by survivors, red by supporters, and gold balloons are carried by those walking in memory of a loved one they lost.[17] In Australia, gold balloons are used in memory of a loved one, and the color blue is used to show support.[16] Children, adults, and seniors all take part in the annual evening walk. The walkers all enjoy a leisurely pace, as there are no fitness requirements to participate. Usually, it is completed in under an hour. In some walks (Australia), a short route as well as an optional extended route is available.

Funds raised by participants support the Society's mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Walkers who raise a minimum of $100 become a Champion for Cures and are honored with a Light the Night t-shirt, balloon, and wristband for food and refreshments at the walk.

The 2011 celebrity ambassador for the walk was Michael C. Hall. At 38 years old, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Past national spokespeople include Tina Fey in 2009[18] and Cynthia Nixon in 2007.[19]