The Haematology Laboratory Research Program is made up of 4 research teams.
Other lead researchers: Prof John Moore, Dr Joanne Joseph, Dr Georgia McCaughan
Stem Cells and Cancer Research
This program focuses on the discovery of clinical biomarkers and targeted therapies for haematopoietic-associated disorders using cutting-edge stem cell and genomics techniques. The Team’s approach includes the identification of ageing-associated potential driver mutations in large population cohorts using ultra-high depth Next Generation Sequencing (GAMBIT project: Genomics of Ageing-acquired Mutations in Blood to Identify biomarkers and Therapeutics). These are then functionally validated using human haematopoietic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells to determine their impact on haematopoiesis. This enables the researchers to discover diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and to perform pre-clinical screening of targeted therapeutics and clinical trials (resulting in publications in high impact journals). The team’s goal is to bring discoveries from bench to patient’s bedside. Recent examples include a patent for the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia, and ongoing drug-development research with Australian-owned, international pharmaceutical manufacturing company Phebra Pty Ltd. The program is headed by Prof David Ma.
Cellular Therapies
This program undertakes translational research to discover the changes in the immune system that is linked to the success of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for autoimmune conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). The team is a national leader in the field of HSCT for autoimmune conditions and have treated over 150 patients over the last 25 years. HSCT uses high dose immunosuppression and infusion of blood stem cells to induce long-lasting remission. The program’s in-depth research has demonstrated long-term changes in the immune system of people with MS & SSc post-HSCT with regeneration of a “new” self-tolerant immune system linked to “T-regulatory cells”. The program’s researchers found that these protective cells are influential to clinical outcomes. They are examining the role of T-memory stem cells and immunometabolism in MS and SSc. The long-term goal for the program is to reduce the use of chemotherapy and incorporate more targeted cellular treatments to reduce the side effects and improve long-lasting drug-free remission. This program is headed by Prof John Moore.
Haemostasis and Thrombosis
This program conducts translational research focusing on platelet biology and the coagulation system, investigating improved methods for the prediction and prevention of bleeding in patients with platelet disorders. The team’s collaborations include pivotal clinical studies for the assessment of haemostatic changes in patients implanted with left ventricular assist devices and in patients with bleeding disorders. These have been critical in the development of a NSW state-wide service, the Sydney Platelet Group, which provides improved care for patients with inherited platelet bleeding disorders. They have also conducted studies on the role of platelets in cancer cell biology and on haemostatic changes in patients treated for chronic venous insufficiency. Currently this program is translating their flow cytometric assay of platelet function and membrane receptors into the diagnostic laboratory to improve the assessment of patients with bleeding related to platelet disorders. The program is headed by Dr Joanne Joseph.
Multiple Myeloma and AL amyloidosis
This program is a new initiative in the Haematology department, focusing on clinical and translational research in Multiple Myeloma and AL amyloidosis. The team has initiated a world first clinical trial utilising romosozumab, an anti-sclerostin antibody, in multiple myeloma, with Dr Georgia McCaughan as the coordinating principal investigator. The translational arm of this trial, conducted in collaboration with researchers Professors Croucher and Phan at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, examines myeloma bone disease, the mechanisms by which an anti-sclerostin antibody therapy may promote bone formation or repair bone lesions, and the interactions between dormant cancer cells and the bone microenvironment. To further define the role of dormant cancer cells in relapse, Dr Rachel Dear (Oncologist) and the research team have established a Bone Biobank at St Vincent’s AMR. This program is headed by Dr Georgia McCaughan.