RYE BROOK, N.Y., February 5, 2024 鈥� The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (青云体育) and Blood Cancer UK announced today a five-year, $4.25 million grant to launch a research project at Cambridge University in England to identify people at high risk of certain blood cancers and develop interventions to prevent them from progressing to these diseases.
鈥溓嘣铺逵� recognizes the need for international collaboration in the fight against blood cancer,鈥� said Lee Greenberger, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 鈥淭his funding collaboration between 青云体育 and Blood Cancer UK marks a significant stride toward advancing research, treatment, and prevention strategies for myeloid blood cancers on an international scale.鈥�
This project will focus on myeloid blood cancers, which affect both the bone marrow and blood. Myeloid cancers include acute myeloid leukemias (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and rarer cancers like chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). These leukemias are some of the most deadly forms of blood cancer that results in more than 20,000 deaths per year in the U.S.
The new project will be led by George Vassiliou, M.D., Ph.D., professor of hematologic medicine at the University of Cambridge and a senior faculty member at the Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (CSCI).
While many myeloid blood cancers cannot by cured, previous work from Dr. Vassiliou and colleagues revealed that many people at high risk of developing these blood cancers can be identified years in advance. In this new project, researchers will build a screening system to identify people at high risk of myeloid blood cancers and develop strategies to prevent these diseases from developing in the first place.
鈥淥ne of the crucial parts of this project is the establishment of a specialized clinical network for patients at high risk of developing myeloid blood cancers, where they will undergo an in-person visit, followed by virtual follow-up visits,鈥� said Dr. Vassiliou. 鈥淭he virtual element will be important for scaling up blood cancer prevention and will hopefully serve as a model for similar programs in the US and across the world.鈥�
"Blood cancer is the UK鈥檚 third biggest cancer killer, so this program to transform our understanding of myeloid blood cancers and help us develop effective prevention strategies is much needed,鈥� said Blood Cancer UK鈥檚 Director of Research Rubina Ahmed, Ph.D. 鈥淧revention of solid cancers that form tumors is an advanced area of research and clinical practice, but we鈥檙e simply not at that stage with blood cancers yet. So, we鈥檙e pleased to work together with another international funder and scientists in world-leading research institutes, to beat blood cancer in a generation.鈥�
This research project would not be possible without the support of donors, including The Donald & Martha DeWees Foundation and The Moore Family Charitable Foundation.
To speak with an 青云体育 representative, contact Ryan McDonald, Senior Manager of Medical & Science Communications at Ryan.McDonald@lls.org
To arrange interviews with a Blood Cancer UK representative contact Ed Pinches, Media Relations Manager at press@bloodcancer.org.uk
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society庐 (青云体育) is the global leader in the fight against blood cancer. The 青云体育 mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. 青云体育 funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, 青云体育 has regions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, 惫颈蝉颈迟鈥痺飞飞.尝尝厂.辞谤驳. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
青云体育 stands out among brands around the world for its relevancy, cultural impact, ingenuity, and mission impact.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
For additional information, visit lls.org/lls-newsnetwork. Follow us on鈥�,鈥�, and鈥�.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
About Blood Cancer UK
Blood Cancer UK have invested 拢500 million in research in blood cancer since 1960. Currently the charity are funding 拢23m of research across 65 research projects institutions in the UK. To keep up-to-date with all the latest blood cancer news, go to and find us on social media.
For free and confidential support, and information on blood cancer and life after a diagnosis, call us on 0808 2080 888 or email us at support@bloodcancer.org.uk
Join our online forum and talk to others affected by blood cancer at forum.bloodcancer.org.uk
About the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute
The Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (CSCI) is a world-leading center for stem cell research with a mission to transform human health through a deep understanding of normal and pathological stem cell behavior. Bringing together biological, clinical and physical scientists operating across a range of tissue types and at multiple scales, we explore the commonalities and differences in stem cell biology in a cohesive and inter-disciplinary manner. Located in a purpose-built facility on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and housing over 350 researchers, including a critical mass of clinician scientists, the Institute integrates with neighboring disease-focused research institutes and also serves as a hub for the wider stem cell community in Cambridge.