A year of magic moments in blood cancer research
As the year comes to a close, we reflect on some of the magical moments that have marked an incredible year for blood cancer research. These milestones showcase the dedication, innovation, and progress made possible through the unwavering support of the blood cancer community. Here are our top three.
#1 Stem cell transplant research breakthrough
There was an exciting breakthrough at the University of Birmingham, where our researchers identified a molecule that drives graft-versus-host disease (GvHD).
This is a serious side effect of life-saving stem cell transplants that can occur in 30 to 70% of people. In GvHD, the donor’s immune cells (the "graft") mistakenly attack the patient’s body (the "host"), which can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications.
The team at Birmingham have found that blocking a specific molecule could help prevent or treat this disease, leading to safer recovery for blood cancer patients. The team plan to use this breakthrough to develop an early diagnostic test and new treatments that do not suppress the body’s whole immune system. This research is crucial for the safety and success of these transplants.
Read more about this stem cell transplant research breakthrough.
#2 Launch of the Omaze X Blood Cancer UK Research Fund
We were thrilled as Simon Thomas joined us to launch the Omaze X Blood Cancer UK Research Fund. This was a result of the incredible £1.95million you raised for Blood Cancer UK in the Omaze Millon Pound House Draw.
The fund is helping to support six amazing research projects that are focused on developing better and less toxic treatments for people with all types of blood cancer.
Read more about the launch of the Omaze X Blood Cancer UK Research Fund.
#3 Improving the lives of people with myeloma
And last but not least, through the Matthew Wilson Multiple Myeloma Fund we’ve invested in research that will improve treatments, survival rates and quality of life for people living with multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma affects around 5,000 people in the UK every year. For most people, myeloma responds well to initial treatment but unfortunately it almost always comes back. This research will drive forward the day when we find a cure, changing the lives of those affected by multiple myeloma.
A year of progress and gratitude
These moments represent just a fraction of the incredible progress made this year in blood cancer research. This year alone we proud to say we have funded over 20 new projects worth over £8million across many types of blood cancer including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. None of this would have been possible without the ongoing support of the blood cancer community.
If these moments have given you some festive cheer, why not help support more research magic moments that will one day help us beat blood cancer for good?
Merry Christmas from all the staff and researchers at Blood Cancer UK. Here’s to another year of progress and breakthroughs, getting us ever closer to a cure.