CANCER

Bloodwise 14
STRATEGIC REPORT
FIRST IN HUMAN TRIALS
Over the years we’ve developed a robust pipeline of
research from basic biology to phase 3 trials, but
with one gap: first in human trials. These trials aim
to find out if a drug behaves in a human being in the
way researchers expect it to following their laboratory
studies. For the first time this year we’ve supported
two first in human trials.
Advancing our mission can often be better achieved
through collaboration. One of the trials is in
partnership with Cancer Research UK’s Centre for Drug
Development. Arising from Professor Mark Cragg’s
research at the University of Southampton, Professor
Andy Davies will lead a trial that exploits a novel
antibody approach in combination with rituximab in
chronic lymphocytic leukaemias and lymphomas.
In the second trial, Professor Paresh Vyas in Oxford is
trialling a new antibody developed in conjunction with
Stanford University in AML patients.
INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE
Biobanks are large collections of biological or medical
data and tissue samples, gathered for research
purposes. They’re a powerful tool in the study of
complex diseases.
We renewed funding of the Childhood Leukaemia Cell
Bank this year, which underpins the UK as a major
player in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
research. It’ll be vital if we’re to develop biological
therapies to replace the current aggressive and toxic
treatments. Samples from the bank have already been
used to make important new discoveries about how
leukaemia develops and improved ways of managing
the disease in children.
SHARING LEARNING
This year we’ve worked with other medical research
charities including Cancer Research UK, Arthritis
Research UK and the British Heart Foundation to
launch a new Open Access Fund. This fund will help to
make research paid for by the public freely available,
as soon as it’s published.
This model allows knowledge to be shared faster
and promotes innovation, accelerating progress that
can help lead to patients accessing better treatments
sooner.
TRIALS ACCELERATION PROGRAMME
Three years ago we identified that lack of access to
early phase clinical trials created unmet need and
hindered our ability to translate potential research
findings into patient benefit.
Just 6% of blood cancer patients had access to early
phase trials compared with an average of 19% across
all cancers. With the expertise of Professors Charlie
Bloodwise trading as Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Company limited by guarantee 738089
Registered charity 216032 (England & Wales) SC037529 (Scotland)