Análisis de las rutas de entrada de las células leucémicas al sistema nervioso central: desarrollo de un modelo xenocénico

Relapse in the central nervous system (CNS) occurs in 5-11% of patients suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Furthermore, this is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in this disease. The aim of this work is to study how leukemic cells manage to infiltrate CNS by using an in vivo xenogeneic model for childhood ALL in order to recognize potential entry pathways by leukemic cells, as well as sanctuaries that would allow them to escape intrathecal chemotherapy. Therefore, our results suggest leptomeningeal infiltration is a common factor in CNS invasion, and reveal the involvement of choroid plexus as passage structure and shelter for the blasts.