This microscopy image provided by Dr. Carl June, shows immune system T-cells, center, binding to beads which cause the cells to divide. The beads, depicted in yellow, are later removed, leaving pure T-cells which are then ready for infusion to the cancer patients. Scientists are reporting the first clear success with gene therapy to treat leukemia, using the patients' own blood cells to hunt down and wipe out their cancer. They've only done it in three patients so far, but the results were striking: two appear cancer-free up to a year after treatment, and the third had a partial response. Scientists are already preparing to try the approach in other kinds of cancer.
More about Dr. Carl June and his research - http://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g275/p2328
Related article: "'Amazing' therapy destroys leukemia in 3 patients" (http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/medical/story/2011/08/Amazing-therapy-destroys-leukemia-in-3-patients/49913582/1)