The Leukaemia Foundation's SERP grants are part of the foundation's National Research Program which sees them partner with haematology researchers’ to leverage their research investment, and shape and strengthen the blood cancer innovation ecosystem.
On Tuesday, the Leukaemia Foundation unveiled their million-dollar investment into the grants which will use new state-of-the-art immunotherapy techniques, new drug design and molecular technology to understand the mechanisms of relapse and continue to drive rapid advancements in treatments for the incurable blood cancer, myeloma.
Blood cancer and related disorders affect more than 100,000 Australians, with one person diagnosed every 41 minutes. Blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma can develop at any stage of life.
Associate Professor Shortt's translational work in the School of Clinical Sciences is focused on strategies incorporating epigenetic drugs with immunotherapy in haematological cancers, particularly lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
His research into myeloma has identified a new target within the myeloma cells, which when treated with a new small ‘drug like’ molecule, kills myeloma cells in a completely new way. The research has been undertaken in collaboration with Professor Phil Thompson at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Professor Ricky Johnstone at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Preliminary data underpinning the project derived from a Cancer Council Victoria “Venture Grant,” and the project was further supported by a generous bequest from the Bode Family. Early tests have shown this new drug is even effective on myeloma cells that are resistant to existing treatments. The project will now further develop this new small ‘drug like’ molecule to accelerate progression to human trials. Associate Professor Shortt will receive $285,000 over two years for his work in this area.
"The support of the Leukaemia Foundation is invaluable in helping us find better treatments for incurable blood cancers like myeloma," Associate Professor Shortt said.
The Leukaemia Foundation is the only national charity dedicated to helping more Australians survive blood cancer and live a better quality of life. For more information, please visit www.leukaemia.org.au
Source: Leukaemia Foundation
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