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On World Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Day, we celebrate the significant achievements of ALLG researchers in transforming the way that Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) is treated. The ALLG has led the world in refining the treatments for CML, by firstly introducing novel targeted enzyme inhibitor treatments, then developing molecular techniques to more effectively monitor patients’ CML and finally mapping treatment pathways that enable many CML patients to achieve a treatment-free remission from their leukaemia.

For over 3 three decades the collaborative efforts of ALLG researchers from the Royal Adelaide Hospital Haematology and Clinical Trials Unit, the CML research team of South Australian Health Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and the University of South Australia have driven significant advancements in CML treatments. Their efforts were linked and leveraged through the ALLG clinical trial program, accelerating worldwide impact for patients.

Breakthroughs in CML Treatment

Previously Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia was difficult to treat and the prognosis for CML patients was grim, with poor survival rates. The previous standard treatment of chemotherapy and stem cell transplants were difficult for patients; with debilitating side effects that often-meant longer hospital stays and recovery periods – making daily life challenging.

Targeted therapies like Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) have completely transformed treatment regimens. TKIs are less toxic and can be taken orally allowing patients to manage their condition at home. This has meant treatment has gone from intensive hospital care to outpatient care with tablet management – greatly improving quality of life for patients.

ALLG’s work in developing molecular techniques to monitor CML outcomes has enabled doctors to better understand when to provide treatment drugs and when they can stop in a treatment-free remission. This provides CML patients with more options for managing their treatment.

Revolutionising CML Treatment

This achievement is the result of numerous researchers, clinicians and health care professionals, including Professor Tim Hughes, Professor Deborah White, Professor Susan Banford, Associate Professor David Ross, Associate Professor David Yeung and Dr Naranie Shanmuganathan, whose contributions were pivotal to these discoveries. Their collective insights helped power research in CML for patients worldwide.

SA Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Research Teams’ Achievements

The South Australian CML research teams made incredible advancements in both treatments and improving quality of life for CML patients over three decades. Key achievements include:

• 1342 patients have benefited from participation in ALLG CML trials
• Survival rates of patients with CML in the past 20 years have drastically increased, from fatal within years to life expectancy the same as other people their age
• Access to therapy has been transformed from intensive hospital care to outpatient care with easy-to-use tablet treatments
• 20+ publications have been released on the treatment outcomes and correlative research projects
• The team’s correlative research outcomes have contributed to the optimised use of a targeted type of therapy, Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and set guidelines and standards locally and internationally

Their research has accelerated world-wide impact for CML patients, with better survival and quality of life for many.

Cutting Edge Research & Clinical Trials

ALLG is at the forefront of innovation in clinical trials for blood cancers. Our research into innovative, targeted and personalised therapies supports patients to receive access to life changing blood cancer treatments with better outcomes. ALLG has an extensive clinical trial portfolio of 75+ active trials across leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma focused on changing how we treat blood cancers, setting new standards of care globally and providing hope for patients.

The leading clinical trials and research conducted by ALLG’s CML researchers has contributed to better survival rates and quality of life, enabling CML patients who were once given a terminal diagnosis to live long and fulfilling lives. You can help support research into CML and other blood cancers through donating to power our progress.

Support Research, Save Lives – Be Part of the Breakthrough