Blood cancers are the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in Australia and the third-largest cause of cancer deaths. There are over 120 different types of blood cancer with little currently known about how or why many blood cancers develop.

Today sees the launch of the Blood Cancer Research Roadmap – a blueprint for accelerating research that improves both blood cancer survivor rates and quality of life for patients and their families.

The Academy was pleased to join the Australian Academy of Science as a key partner in developing the 10-year Research Roadmap, which identifies priority areas for research activity and investment, and barriers and opportunities for research advancement and translation into clinical care.

“With little currently known about how or why many blood cancers develop, strengthening and accelerating research in this area will save lives,” said Academy President Professor Louise Baur.

The Research Roadmap, which was commissioned by the Leukemia Foundation on behalf of the Blood Cancer Taskforce, is the product of wide-ranging consultation of researchers, patients, clinicians, nurses, and other key stakeholders.

The Research Roadmap was launched this morning at the Blood 2024 conference in Brisbane by Academy Fellows Professor Wendy Erber FAHMS and Professor Andrew Roberts AM FAHMS FAA, alongside Bill Stavreski – Head of Research at the Leukemia Foundation. Academy Policy Manager Dr Ruby Guyatt was also in attendance.

Professor Erber and Professor Roberts had been joined by the following Academy Fellows on the Research Roadmap Expert Steering Group: Professor Michelle Haber AM FAHMS FAA, Professor Tim Hughes FAHMS FAA, and Professor Mark Dawson FAHMS FAA.

“The Blood Cancers Research Roadmap is a timely blueprint for supporting research that generates new knowledge, new treatments and personalised medicine,” Professor Baur added.

“The Academy was pleased to work with the Australian Academy of Science to deliver this Roadmap mapping a decade-long path towards zero preventable blood cancer deaths.”

“The Academy is especially supportive of the Research Roadmap’s call for the creation of three new blood cancer research missions.”

The Blood Cancer Research Roadmap can be read in full here.

Media: AAHMS Head of Media and Communication Katie Rowney, [email protected] or P: 07 3102 7212 M: +61 (0) 419 787 551