Old cells, new tricks - Monash led study challenges our understanding of leukaemia

media release by Tania Ewing

A/Prof Ross Dickins

Each year in Australia over 1000 people are diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), an aggressive blood cancer. Less than one third of AML patients survive 5 years beyond diagnosis. Researchers from Monash University have discovered a key reason why this disease is so difficult to treat and therefore cure. 

The study, led by Associate Professor Ross Dickins from the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, is published today(TBC) in the prestigious journal Cell Stem Cell. The paper identifies an important new concept relevant to clinicians involved in the diagnosis and treatment of AML patients. 

AML is characterised by an overproduction of immature white blood cells that fail to mature properly. These leukaemia cells crowd the bone marrow, preventing it from making normal blood cells. In turn this causes anaemia, infections, and if untreated, death. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a significant health problem, with poor outcomes despite chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation.

CCS staff recognised in Dean's Awards for Excellence

The Dean's Awards for Excellence were announced recently and CCS is delighted to report that two staff members have been recognised for their outstanding achievement within the Faculty. Dr Rachael Borg, Senior Research Services Officer, was awarded "Excellence in Safety" and Professor Robert Medcalf, Group Leader at the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, was awarded "Excellence in Research (Postgraduate Research Supervision)". Congratulations to both!

Professor Medcalf is deeply interested in fibrinolysis - the process our bodies implement to remove blood clots. He is investigating how we can use our natural clot busting mechanisms to help treat stroke victims. His interest in the chemicals in our bodies that can help reduce the long-term damage of stroke and also in other diseases of the brain including traumatic brain injury.

CCS Recent Publications 30th July - 5th August

Recent publications for Central Clinical School feature affiliated authors in the following departments:

A/Prof Ross Dickins from ACBD
was last author on a paper about AML
that garnered coverage in the Herald Sun

• Surgery
• Medicine
• ACBD
• MSHC
• Peninsula Clinical School
• NTRI
• Immunology and Pathology
• Infectious Diseases
• MAPrc
• Diabetes

Monash research aired at major HIV conference

Jason presenting in Mexico City. Photo by Roger Pebody.

Melbourne Sexual Health Centre's Associate Professor Jason Ong recently delivered an address about his research into PrEP and STIs at the 10th International IAS conference on HIV Science, on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO).

A/Prof Ong conducted a systematic review for WHO on STI incidence and prevalence in PrEP programmes, incorporating 88 studies. PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis involves HIV-negative people taking medications to stop them acquiring HIV. However, researchers, clinicians and public health policy makers have raised concerns over the role of PrEP which, while preventing HIV, facilitates the risk for STIs. STIs are increasing globally.

Club Melbourne Finalist 2019... Dr Joseph Doyle!

Huge congratulations go to Dr Joseph Doyle from the Department of Infectious Diseases, who has been selected as one of six finalists for the prestigious Club Melbourne Fellowship 2019! The winner will be announced by the Governor of Victoria at a special dinner on August 26th.

The Fellowship comes with substantial networking opportunities within Victoria's research community and $10,000 in funding to support research costs including an international conference attendance.

The Club Melbourne Ambassador Program is an invitation-only group of Victoria’s elite thinkers and leaders, who work together to establish, secure and host international business events to promote Victorian expertise around the world.

EMCR Best Paper Awards

In 2019, the EMCR Committee will call for six Alfred Research Alliance (A+) EMCR Best Paper Awards to honour the outstanding research that is being done and published by early and midcareer researchers within A+. The EMCR Committee will award six best paper awards of $250.

• 2019 A+ Biomedical Research Early-Mid Career Researcher Best Paper Award (3 awards)
• 2019 A+ Public Health/Clinical Research Early-Mid-Career Researcher Best Paper Award (3 awards)

CCS Recent Publications 23rd - 29th July

Recent publications for Central Clinical School feature affiliated authors in the following departments:

Adj Clin A/Prof Heather Cleland and
associates published on burn-related
fatalities in Australia this month.

• Surgery
• MSHC
• MAPrc
• Neuroscience
• Immunology & Pathology
• ACBD
• Medicine (Alfred)
• Peninsula Clinical School
• Infectious Diseases