Blood Cancers

Why blood cancers?

Patients with blood cancers and acquired hypogammaglobulinaemia comprise the largest single group of conditions using immunoglobulin in Australia, with
estimated product costs alone of more than $100m annually.

This patient group receives immunoglobulin on an ongoing basis, and while the criteria for access to government funded immunoglobulin state that “cessation of immunoglobulin therapy should be considered at least after each 12 months of treatment” , this is not evidence-based. There is a paucity of evidence to guide clinical outcomes and updated data is urgently required to inform policy and practice. Further, there is lack of data on patient preferences and experiences.

Research Activities

Develop a core outcome dataset

We are addressing current evidence gaps on Ig use and outcomes by developing a core outcome dataset to be used by nurses as part of routine Ig clinical care and audit activities.

Project Lead: Dr Catriona Parker

Develop and implement evidence-based guidelines and decision support tools

We will develop evidence-based clinical practice guidelines which will ultimately reduce variation in care and ensure Ig is being used where it is needed most.

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Re-design and pilot how to deliver Ig to patients

Using co-design principles, we will explore how can we best deliver Ig, by re-designing and piloting a new and improved service delivery system

Project Lead: A/Prof Leah Heiss

Optimise dosing

Leveraging our trials infrastructure, we will use biological samples to generate novel data on how to better target Ig treatment and identify patients most likely to benefit, and to dose Ig to get the most value

Project Lead: Prof Jason Roberts

Health economic modelling

Using health economic modelling, we will predict infection risks and clinical scenarios for which Ig treatment represents value for money to the Australian community

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Our studies

RATIONALISE

The trial aims to determine if Ig therapy can be stopped if patients are free of major infection after six months of Ig therapy, and after stopping Ig, if oral antibiotics can be used to prevent future infection.

EPiMap

This project developed and validated a novel patient-level simulation model to estimate patients in Australia with multiple myeloma, and their associated quality of life and costs.

RATIONAL: Ig platform trial

This innovative adaptive platform trial is designed to efficiently assess infection prevention strategies in patients with blood cancers.

MRDR

This clinical quality registry aims to improve myeloma outcomes by providing an evidence base for the best strategies to diagnose, treat and support people with myeloma and related diseases.

VALUE-Ig

The aim of this project is to improve the evidence base to inform the cost effective use of immunoglobulin in four patient cohorts.

LARDR

The Australian and New Zealand Lymphoma and Related Diseases Registry collects data from routine clinical visits on patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and related diseases.