News

September marks Blood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the global impact of blood cancer and share how research powers progress through clinical trials. Blood Cancer Awareness Month commences with World Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) on 1 September, giving us an opportunity to highlight the progress made in CLL treatments and the ongoing challenges patients and researchers face.

What is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)?

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukaemia in Australia and New Zealand and affects the blood and bone marrow, particularly the B-cell lymphocytes, which are responsible for the immune system. CLL is often diagnosed through routine blood tests, and while slow growing, over time the disease weakens the immune system and makes patients vulnerable to infections. Without proper management, CLL can lead to complications such as bone marrow failure, anaemia and low immunity. Key areas of unmet need in CLL treatments include effective therapies for patients with CLL that relapse or where their disease becomes resistant to treatment (refractory). Another concerning risk in CLL is Richter’s Transformation, where the cancer shifts into a more aggressive form.

While there is no known cure for CLL, survival rates have vastly improved in recent years, especially in older patients. In 1989, fewer than half (49%) of people with CLL over 80 years old survived for five years post-diagnosis. Today an amazing two-thirds (66%) of patients over 80 years old survive five years or more. This improvement is a direct result of clinical trial research and targeted therapies.

While clinical trials have generated remarkable advances in survival, resistance and relapse remain challenges for many CLL patients. To address this, ALLG CLL clinical trials are focusing on more personalised treatments for patients. Our CLL12 AETHER trial, in collaboration with the Netherlands-based HOVON Group, is investigating a new combined therapy of venetoclax with an immunotherapy called epcoritamab for patients with relapsed or refractory CLL. Led by Chief Investigator Professor Stephen Opat & Co-Chief Investigator Associate Professor Philip Thompson, this is part of an international effort to deliver innovative, targeted treatments to people with relapsed/refractory CLL.

Clinical Trials Lead the Way

As the only not-for-profit, collaborative blood cancer clinical trial group in Australasia, ALLG is committed to improving the lives of people with blood cancer patients through world-leading clinical trial research. Our mission is simple: to accelerate the development of better treatments and better lives, while aiming for a cure for blood cancers. Through our extensive global network, we bring cutting-edge therapies to Australia and New Zealand to provide patients with access to the latest advancements in treatment.

Read more about ALLG’s five decades of impact in blood cancer research.

ALLG receives no ongoing funding and relies on individuals and organisations to support our work to transform treatments and lives for people with blood cancer. We invite you to visit our Support Us page to find out how you can help raise awareness and power progress in blood cancer research.