Image courtesy of MoST-LLy, QIMR Berghofer.
A groundbreaking genomic testing program is giving hope to Australians with blood cancers that do not respond to standard treatments.
The Molecular Screening and Therapeutics Leukaemia and Lymphoma (MoST-LLy) program tests for the genetic mutations in someone’s blood cancer and recommends new treatments and clinical trials that may offer alternative treatment pathways. MoST-LLy considers treatment options in Australia and worldwide, and can be a lifeline when conventional treatments have failed.
The program initially focused on patients with hard-to-treat leukaemia or lymphoma, but recently expanded to include all blood cancers. Patients can access the program no matter where they live in Australia.
How does it work?
Leukaemia Foundation Head of Research Bill Stavreski says MoST-LLy is the only program in Australia to screen for more than 520 genes (most standard screening covers 25 to 35 genes). This enables researchers to identify known and new genetic mutations.
“Gaining a precise understanding of someone’s blood cancer means they can be linked with treatments that are not available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme,” Bill says.
“These clinical trials and new approaches may not be offered as standard treatments in Australia yet, but may be available overseas.”
“This is the last resort for people with blood cancer who have tried everything else.”
Who has been helped so far?
Around 170 people have gone through the screening process and 70% of patients were given a recommended treatment pathway. This has offered options where standard treatments haven’t worked or didn’t effectively treat someone’s blood cancer.
Early results have been promising with alternative pathways recommended to adults of all ages, helping them to seek treatment and potentially beat their disease. More than 200 people are expected to go through the screening program in the next 18 months.
“MoST-LLy provides the possibility of remission, or in some cases, the priceless gift of more time with loved ones. There is truly nothing more meaningful,” Bill says.
Translating research into practice
MoST-LLy translates research into real-world practice by providing evidence-based advice within short timeframes and capturing valuable data to inform future treatment decisions.
On average, it takes around 4-6 weeks to conduct the screening and deliver treatment recommendations. This enables haematologists to swiftly implement new approaches for patients who have exhausted all other treatment options and are running out of time.
An expert panel of haematologists, pathologists and scientists who specialise in diagnosing and treating blood cancer across Australia, come together to assess the outcomes of all genetic screenings and make case-by-case recommendations. This process integrates blood cancer expertise with evidence to deliver a comprehensive therapeutic approach.
Details about blood cancer profiles, genetic mutations, treatment pathways and patient outcomes are captured and analysed throughout the program. This critical data will inform recommendations for people with blood cancer in the future.
MoST-LLy may be a game-changer for people living with hard-to-treat blood cancers where standard treatments are ineffective.
How did it start?
MoST-Lly was launched at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in July 2021 and expanded to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Royal Hobart Hospital and Linear Hospital over the following 12 months. The addition of a National Remote Consenting Hub in September 2023 meant people no longer had to live close to one of the four treating hospitals to be eligible for the program.
Managed by QIMR Berghofer, a world-leading medical research institute, the hub accepts referrals from haematologists across Australia, regardless of where a patient resides.
Who is eligible?
You can be referred to the program if you are 18 years or older with advanced blood cancer and have:
- Relapsed and further treatment is unavailable
- Received treatment but it has not forced the cancer into remission
- A cancer that is untreatable using standard treatment pathways
What is the application process?
- A patient is referred to the program by their haematologist. A secure online referral form asks for the patient’s medical history and a pathology report to confirm the type of blood cancer. This information will assist the MoST-LLy team when requesting a sample of the blood cancer. If you’re a healthcare professional, you can access the referral form here.
- The person with blood cancer provides consent for genetic sequencing to occur.
- The genetic make-up of their blood cancer is assessed.
- The MoST-LLy expert panel analyses the results and prioritises which genetic mutations are driving the cancer.
- Based on this information, the panel identifies new treatments or innovative clinical trials currently available in Australia or elsewhere that suit the patient’s particular situation.
- These recommendations are sent to the treating haematologist to discuss with their patient and potentially implement.
If you would like more information about MoST-LLy, please contact a member of the Leukaemia Foundation Support Team on 1800 620 420.
MoST-LLy is funded by the Leukaemia Foundation, Tour de Cure and the Medical Research Future Fund.
