Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are a group of bone marrow cancers where there is an overproduction of blood or immune cells. MPN patients have a 20% risk of progressing to bone marrow failure as a consequence of bone marrow scarring. Megakaryocytes (large cells in the bone marrow that produce platelets) are known to play a role in this scarring process thus may serve as good source of information that can be used to monitor disease progression.
Currently there is no test to help determine the risk of MPN patients progressing to bone marrow failure. This study aims to develop such a diagnostic marker/test. Utilising blood platelets as a source of information, we will monitor changes in the genetics of these cells as a cheaper and quicker test compared to conventional approaches. In the first 38 patients this new proposed technique for monitoring changes in MPN progression suggested 88% accuracy. Testing using this analysis technique is now expanding at two main hospitals in Western Australia.
2022-2024 (Fiona Riewoldt Nursing/Allied Health Fellowship): Improving capability and capacity of nurses to assess and manage young people with symptoms associated with acquired and inherited bone marrow failure syndromes. Rachel Edwards, ...
Read more2022-2025 (Fellowship): Dissecting immune dysregulation in acquired Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes to identify new therapeutic leads. Associate Professor Rachel Koldej, ACRF Translational Research Laboratory, Melbourne Health. Bone Marrow Failure ...
Read more2021-2024 (Fellowship): Improving outcomes for Australian patients and families with bone marrow failure related diseases through comprehensive clinicogenomic care and collaborative research. Dr Lucy Fox, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Dr Lucy ...
Read more2023- 2025 (Fellowship): The inaugural Captain Courageous Fellowship. A preclinical trial of next generation gene editing for the prevention of bone marrow failure in Fanconi Anaemia. Dr Astrid Glaser at the Genome Stability Unit of St Vincent’s ...
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