Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia: Changing The Treatment Paradigm
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,162,778.00
Summary
Most patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia achieve excellent responses to therapy but need therapy for life. We have pioneered the concept that some patients can cease their therapy and not relapse (treatment free remission –TFR). By studying the immune system and the leukaemic stem cells we will determine why TFR is possible for some, but not all patients. This holds the key to improving the rate of TFR, thus moving the CML goal from disease control to cure.
I lead a research program to improve outcomes for patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). We aim to identify poor risk patients and test new treatment strategies to reduce adverse outcomes. In good risk patients we aim to reduce the need for lifelong drug dependency. Through a combination of clinical trials, innovative correlative studies, and strong scientific collaborations, my team will continue to improve outcomes for CML patients globally.
Translational Research Initiatives In Acute Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,010.00
Summary
Recent research has focussed on molecular characterisation of high-risk acute leukaemia subtypes. This proposal will combine the power of genomic analysis, global analysis of protein kinases and stringent preclinical drug testing in order to improve the treatment of these high-risk acute leukaemia subtypes. Several innovative and interrelated projects within this Program will utilise a unique and clinically relevant experimental model to achieve their goals.
Discovery Of New Targets For Therapy That Kills Non-dividing Cancer Stem Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,828.00
Summary
I am a clinical haematologist that specialises in treating patients with a terrible form of blood cancer, acute myeloid leukaemia. Survival rates for this disease have not changed for 30 years and we now realise this is because we are not targetting the queen bee of the cancer - the cancer stem cell. In this project I am looking for cell markers that are only present in rare, truly latent non-dividing cancer stem cells effectively change a remission into a cure.
Targeting Of The Myb-p300 Interaction In Myeloid Leukaemogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$625,980.00
Summary
MYB is a “cancer gene” which turns other genes on or off. MYB is needed by leukaemia cells but also for normal blood cell formation. This project aims to show that blocking interaction between the MYB protein and another protein called p300 is a promising strategy for leukaemia treatment, as leukaemia cells are more dependent on this interaction than normal cells. New molecules to block the MYB-p300 interaction will also be designed and tested; these may form a basis for new leukaemia drugs.
Individualising Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy In CML To Facilitate Successful Treatment Free Remission
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,449.00
Summary
This project will determine the optimal therapy for patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), matching the most appropriate drug to the individual patient, based on each patient's unique biology, thereby maximising the chance of cure. Furthermore, this project will develop novel highly sensitive tests for the presence of residual disease, even if undetectable by current techniques. This will enable crucial, timely treatment changes to be made with curative intent.