A new research centre set to fast-track leukaemia discoveries and other types of blood cancer research from the lab to the hospital bedside was opened today by the Victorian Minister for Health, David Davis. Established through a $1 million grant from the ACRF, The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Centre for Translational Research will provide new hope to thousands of people with blood cancers. The facility is located at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, which sees more than 120 new leukaemia cases and performs some 80 bone marrow transplants each year. The Translational Research Centre will therefore provide a seamless link between the Hospital and collaborating research facilities, including the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, the University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne’s Diagnostic Haematology Laboratory and clinical services. Executive Director of Research at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Prof Ingrid Winship said such a centre was vital to improve outcomes for patients. “The ACRF is delighted to have provided seed-funding for the development of this world-class facility,” said ACRF Chief Executive, David Brettell. “The scientists involved in this undertaking truly are experts in the field of leukaemia research, and the best way to speed up the treatments and cures for this most devastating class of cancers is to allow our scientists to work with the most modern, cutting-edge technologies and facilities possible.” According to The Victorian Minister for Health, Mr David Davis, malignant haematological diseases claimed more lives annual than more well-known types of cancer – such as breast cancer and melanoma – but specific, targeted treatments remained elusive for most of these conditions. “Translational research is critical as it links clinicians and scientists in improving health outcomes for cancer sufferers,” he said. “The centre’s work will give Victorian leukaemia patients timely access to best practice cancer treatment based on the latest discoveries.”
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