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. LLS is leading the Beat AML Master Clinical Trial 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. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia 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. 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. Patient support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a source of blood cancer information, education and support for patients, survivors, families and healthcare professionals. In 1997, LLS created the Information Resource Center (IRC) to provide blood cancer patients, their families and health professionals with accurate, current disease information, resources and support. LLS Blood Cancer Information Specialists are master's level oncology social workers, nurses and health educators. An Information Specialist can assist patients through cancer treatment, financial and social challenges and give accurate, up-to-date disease, treatment and support information. As a community-based voluntary health organization, LLS has regional and local chapters throughout the United States and Canada to support blood cancer patients in every community. Advocacy The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Office of Public Policy pursues LLS's mission through advocacy aimed at governmental decision-makers. Through LLS's nationwide grassroots network of more than 100,000 volunteers, the organization advocates for policies at the state and federal level to remove barriers to care for