Monash haematology leading new investigator research in Australia

Dr Danielle Oh, Dr Olga Motorna, Dr Allison Mo

Monash haematologists have been recognised by the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand (HSANZ), with the award of three competitive New Investigator Scholarships.

Monash Health haematology trainees Dr Olga Motorna, Dr Danielle Oh and Dr Allison Mo each received prestigious scholarships worth $60,000 to support their PhD projects at Monash University and Melbourne University.   Only seven scholarships are awarded across Australia and New Zealand.

Under the supervision of Professor Erica Wood,  Dr Zoe McQuilten and Associate Professor Jake Shortt, Dr Mo will undertake epidemiological and clinical studies investigate anaemia in the elderly Australian population.

“Although anaemia is common in the elderly (and rising with an ageing population), and the elderly receive more blood transfusions for treatment of anaemia than younger patients, we currently don’t have detailed epidemiological data describing the burden of anaemia in the elderly Australian community, risk factors or the consequences of anaemia on health outcomes,” Dr Mo said.

Consequently there is a lack of data to guide treatment of anaemia and provide guidance on the appropriate use of blood transfusions in the elderly.

Dr Mo is also interested in the appropriate use of transfusions for chronically transfused elderly patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).

Colleague Dr Danielle Oh will be co-supervised by Associate Professor Shortt to gain mechanistic insights into the molecular and biological effects of specific transcription factors is particular cancers.

Dr Oh said the results from her research will have the potential to radically transform the treatment paradigm for leukaemia and lymphomas.

“Molecular processes are fundamental to the spread and growth of cancer,” Dr Oh said.

“There is increasing evidence from pre-clinical studies to suggest one of these processes (transcription) can be targeted by specific compounds to modulate the growth of certain cancers, including AML and diffuse large B cell lymphoma.”

Fellow trainee Dr Motorna said she felt immensely honoured to be one of the prestigious scholarship recipients, and hopes that her research ultimately translates into better treatment outcomes for patients suffering from malignant conditions.

Dr Motorna’s project will deepen her understanding of the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and immune regulation.

“In the era of new targeted therapies, intimate understanding of the complex processes that underpin haematological malignancies gives one the power to tailor treatment accordingly and ultimately achieve the best possible outcome for an individual patient,” Dr Motorna said.

Associate Professor Shortt said he is extremely proud to be co-supervising these rising stars.