Jonathan Wall, PhD, Director of the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine’s Amyloidosis and Cancer Theranostics Program and Co-founder & Interim Chief Scientific Officer at Attralus, explains why immunoglobulin light chain-associated (AL) amyloidosis is difficult to diagnose.
AL amyloidosis is a rare blood disorder associated with the overproduction of amyloid, which leads to the deterioration of vital organs, most notably the heart, kidneys, and liver. The heterogeneity of this disease makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. There is no genetic predisposition for AL amyloidosis nor are there specific environmental factors associated with the disease.
As Dr. Wall explains, the heterogeneity of the disease is one of the biggest barriers to swift diagnoses. Additionally, symptoms associated with AL amyloidosis include non-specific symptoms such as heart failure, renal insufficiency, and gastrointestinal issues. Gastroenterologists or GI specialists are most likely to make the diagnosis of amyloidosis as they routinely biopsy during procedures like colonoscopies; however, as cardiologists are becoming more aware of this rare disease, they are increasingly more likely to make a diagnosis.
Attralus is currently investigating the amyloid imaging agent, AT-01, in clinical trials. AT-01 is a synthetic peptide radiotracer, which is suitable for PET/CT imaging. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the specific reactivity of AT-01 with diverse forms of amyloid. Recently, data from a phase 1/2 trial of AT-01 was presented at The American Society of Hematology Meeting & Exposition (ASH 2021). There is hope that, in the future, this imaging technology will make the diagnosis of amyloidosis more efficient.
To learn more about AL amyloidosis and other rare blood disorders, visit checkrare.com/diseases/hematologic-disorders/.