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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Pre-clinical Evaluation of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Treatment of Acute Leukemia
Published on: September 18, 2013
[Retracted] Kevetrin induces apoptosis in TP53 wild‑type and mutant acute myeloid leukemia cells
Roberta Napolitano1, Serena De Matteis1, Silvia Carloni1
1Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, I‑47014 Meldola, Italy.
Abstract:
Subsequently to the publication of the above article, a concerned reader drew to the Editor's attention that, regarding the control β‑actin blots shown in Fig. 5A for the MOLM‑13 cell line, the blots featured for the first and the second lanes in the gel slice were strikingly similar, suggesting that this figure may have potentially undergone inappropriate editing. After having evaluated these data independently in the Editorial Office, the concerns of the reader were shown to have been well‑founded. Therefore, in view of the uncertainties regarding the assembly of the western blot data in this figure, the Editor of Oncology Reports has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal on account of a lack of confidence in the presented data. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a satisfactory reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 44: 1561‑1573, 2020; DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7730].
Insights
This study on MOLM-13 cell lines was retracted due to concerns about data integrity. Western blot images in Figure 5A showed suspicious similarities, leading to a lack of confidence in the presented scientific data.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Scientific Publishing Ethics
Background:
- A previously published article in Oncology Reports featured western blot data for the MOLM-13 cell line.
- Concerns were raised regarding the control β-actin blots presented in Figure 5A.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the validity of western blot data presented in a published study.
- To address concerns about potential inappropriate editing of scientific figures.
Main Methods:
- Independent evaluation of western blot data by the Editorial Office.
- Review of figure assembly and data presentation.
Main Results:
- Concerns raised by a reader were substantiated upon independent review.
- The western blot data in Figure 5A for the MOLM-13 cell line showed striking similarities between lanes, indicating potential data manipulation.
Conclusions:
- The article has been retracted due to a lack of confidence in the presented data.
- The Editor cited uncertainties regarding the assembly of western blot data as the reason for retraction.
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