News

The Australasian Leukaemia & Lymphoma Group (ALLG) is breaking ground with its adaptive, precision-based platform clinical trial, AMLM26 INTERCEPT. Designed to detect and treat acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) earlier than traditional approaches by monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) levels to prevent relapse, this innovative trial aims to keep patients in remission longer and improve survival outcomes for this rare, aggressive blood cancer.

An Innovative Approach to Treating Acute Myeloid Leukaemia

Under the leadership of Chief Investigator Professor Andrew Wei, AMLM26 INTERCEPT is a world first, multi-arm, precision-based, clinical platform trial exploring five new treatments simultaneously. Aimed at AML patients with evidence of measurable residual disease (MRD), the trial’s objective is to prevent AML from relapsing via a pre-emptive interventional strategy. The trial design enables the platform to evolve over time, with new treatment arms added as promising new therapies emerge, reflecting the evolving nature of AML biology.

This adaptive approach allows patients to rotate between treatment options with the goal of keeping the patient in remission longer and preventing relapse. By targeting disease progression earlier and treating with more precision through personalised and adaptive therapy, the trial also aims to reduce toxicity associated with earlier intervention and prior to the patient deteriorating clinically, for better outcomes.

The AMLM26 INTERCEPT trial is operating across Australia and opened in the United States in 2024 at the world-leading MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Texas.

What this Means for Patients and Clinicians

The adaptive approach of this trial enables patients to rotate between treatment arms when their AML disease markers change, helping maintain remission longer, reducing the risk of relapse and preserving the quality of life. This innovative trial is shifting the dial in AML care by prioritising earlier, personalised, and adaptive therapy based on individual molecular profiles.

Stories like Ania’s highlight how access to trials like AMLM26 INTERCEPT are vital to prolonging survival and improving patient outcomes. Ania was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia and was given only four weeks to live. Her doctor offered her the opportunity to participate in the AMLM26 INTERCEPT trial, which help Ania and her family to have an extra 16 months of meaningful life together.

Ania pictured with her daughters

Research, Leadership & Collaboration

ALLG scientific leaders Dr Chyn Chua and Professor Zoe McQuilten with the UK AML ACT Group, led by Professor Charles Craddock, at ASH 2025

AMLM26 INTERCEPT is supported by a strong Australia research team. Led by Professor Andrew Wei and supported by leading researchers including Dr Sun Loo and Professor Harry IIand, this team’s expertise has been vital to the trial’s design, delivery and ongoing development. Their involvement reflects ALLG’s collaborative group approach to advancing AML research globally. The team is also working with leading AML groups in the UK and Europe to deliver AMLM26 INTERCEPT treatments to more AML patients. ALLG is committed to bringing together clinical insights scientific leadership to deliver innovative research that drives Better treatments…Better lives.

Dr Sun Loo

Professor Harry IIand