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Reshaping our thinking on blood cancer treatment
Researchers at Monash University have discovered a key reason why a type of blood cancer called acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is such a difficult disease to treat and cure. More than 1,000 Australians are told they have AML each year but less than a third of them will be alive five years after their diagnosis. […]
Australian study first ever to use CAR T-cells to prevent relapse after treatment
In a world first, the Australian COMMITTAL trial uses CAR T-cell therapy to improve survival for people with B-cell ALL who have an allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Dr Ken Micklethwaite, a clinical haematologist and bone marrow physician, who runs the CAR T-cell program at The Westmead Institute of Medical Research (Sydney), describes the study […]
Jeanette takes nothing for granted
Darwin mother-of-two Jeanette Kingston, 41, never takes a single day for granted. When she was diagnosed with a blood cancer called multiple myeloma on August 14, 2018 she thought death was knocking at her door. With two young children, Brayden, nine, and seven-year-old Tahlia, Jeanette made up her mind to fight for her life. With […]
“A marathon doesn’t compare to the challenges of blood cancer”
When Kristy Williams found out her close friend Erin was diagnosed with a rare and acute form of blood cancer, she literally hit the ground running. Since 2014, Kristy has dedicated her long distance running efforts to her best friend Erin, raising money for the Leukaemia Foundation to support all Australians living with blood cancer, […]
I needed two transfusions to make my daughter’s wedding
Des Paddon says he owes his life to a clinical trial for the drug venetoclax – an experimental therapy that Leukaemia Foundation supporters helped to kick start. Des will spend this Father’s Day reflecting on family, including how much his two daughters supported him during his blood cancer treatment. “Jessica and Naomy don’t live nearby, […]
Anthony’s grateful family honours his memory with gift
The family of a courageous father who lost his battle with blood cancer have made a generous gift to the Leukaemia Foundation to honour his memory and help other families facing blood cancer. Cris Leon, the Leukaemia Foundation’s General Manager in Queensland, has thanked the Mammino and Puglisi families for their incredibly generous $10,000 gift. […]
Lighting Alex’s way
Four-year-old Alex was like any other boy his age: full of energy with a cheeky nature and infectious smile; a little ray of sunshine to his parents, Natasha and Nathan, and big sister. He was enjoying starting school earlier this year when Natasha and Nathan spotted bruises on his legs. They put it down to […]
Improving the “wait and see” approach to treatment for high-risk blood cancer
Australian researchers utilising valuable samples from an initial clinical trial funded with the help of Leukaemia Foundation supporters have discovered why half of patients with a type of high-risk blood cancer will not respond to a common treatment. The discovery could form the basis for a world-first clinical test to identify early whether or not […]
First-time dad’s inconceivable battle
It should have been one of the happiest days of Ryan Murray’s life. The soon-to-be dad was filled with joy and relief alongside his wife Nikki during her 12-week pregnancy scan. But that same day, Ryan’s doctor called to tell him he had blood cancer. Jubilation to devastation – in an instant. Ryan and Nikki […]
New PBS drug will mean better outcomes for families
A drug used to treat a rare form of Hodgkin lymphoma is now widely available through the national Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), saving families thousands of dollars. The PBS listing of brentuximab vedotin gives Australians access to a potentially life-saving treatment that previously cost up to $16,100 for a single course. The Leukaemia Foundation presented comprehensive […]