2019 News
News
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The Transfusion Research Unit team at Blood 2019The TRU team had a strong presence at the Blood 2019 conference. TRU and our collaborators delivered nine oral abstracts and one invited presentation, and presented seven posters, along with hosting well-attended investigator meetings of the Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry (MRDR) and the Lymphoma and Related Diseases Registry (LaRDR, in collaboration with the Australasian Lymphoma Alliance). There were also many visitors to the Monash University booth in the exhibition hall.
Congratulations also to Dr Khai Li Chai, haematologist, who was presented with her HSANZ Leukaemia Foundation Scholarship, which will support her PhD studies with TRU commencing in 2020. |
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The Transfusion Research Unit team will be at Blood 2019
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DIAAMOND trial in aplastic anaemia opens to recruitment!
DIAAMOND is a phase II, single-arm, registry-based trial which investigates whether avatrombopag, an oral, second-generation thrombopoietin-stimulating agent, improves bone marrow function in patients with either treatment-naïve or relapsed/refractory severe aplastic anaemia. The trial is funded by the Medical Research Future fund, and uses the platform of the Aplastic Anaemia Registry (AAR), a national registry for patients with AA and other bone marrow failure syndromes. More information is available at: monash.edu/medicine/sphpm/units/transfusionresearch/diaamond |
500th patient recruited to the TREATT trialTREATT is a randomised placebo-controlled trial of tranexamic acid (TXA, an anti-fibrinolytic agent to prevent clot breakdown) to investigate whether TXA prevents bleeding in patients with blood cancers and low platelets. TXA is already widely used in this setting, but its optimal use, clinical benefit, and safety, need to be established.
Congratulations to the team at Alfred Health who recruited the 500th patient! |
International Myeloma Workshop in Boston productive for the Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry (MRDR)The MRDR team presented at the recent International Myeloma Workshop (IMW) in Boston, attended by over 3200 delegates. In a special Nursing Symposium, Dr Elizabeth Moore, MRDR research fellow, presented results of “My-PROMPT”: a pilot randomised trial testing the feasibility of real-time reporting to clinicians of myeloma patient-reported outcome measures; and Prof Andrew Spencer, MRDR Coordinating Principal Investigator, gave an invited presentation on the role of myeloma registries in improving real-world outcomes. In a plenary session, Andrew Spencer and MRDR steering committee member Prof Joy Ho represented Australia in an update on clinical trials around the world. MRDR posters included the impact of number of cycles of therapy on outcomes in patients treated with bortezomib induction (A/Prof Peter Mollee), and myeloma in Pacific Islanders in New Zealand (A/Prof Hilary Blacklock). The inaugural Asia-Pacific MRDR (APAC MRDR: a sister registry of the MRDR) Investigators’ Meeting was held during IMW. It was well attended by investigators from Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Australia, who discussed progress with Andrew Spencer and APAC MRDR Project Manager Naomi Aoki.
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Dr Andrew Flint presents at the Military Health System Research Symposium, Florida
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Using data from the Massive Transfusion Registry to understand and improve inventory management for major haemorrhage
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ICAN study open to recruitment – Immunoglobulin use in Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia And Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
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NHMRC Investigator Grant awarded to Professor Erica WoodCongratulations to Erica Wood, who has been awarded an L2 Investigator Grant by the NHMRC. This prestigious award will support the work of Erica and the Transfusion Research Unit over the next 5 years. |
3000th patient recruited to the Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry
The MRDR is chaired by Professor Andrew Spencer (Alfred Hospital) and managed by the Transfusion Research Unit at SPHPM. Thirty-six sites are already participating across Australia and New Zealand, and more are joining. Congratulations to Northern Hospital in Melbourne who recruited the 3000th patient! More information on the MRDR and its projects: mrdr.net.au Information on the Asia-Pacific expansion of the MRDR: apacmrdr.org |
Professor Erica Wood delivers plenary lecture at the South African National Blood Transfusion Congress Erica Wood was an invited international speaker at the recent South African National Blood Transfusion Congress, held in Sun City. Erica shared her experience in three invited presentations on patient blood management, international haemovigilance, and careers in transfusion medicine, and also participated in judging the congress singing competition! |
Professor Johanna van der Bom visits the Transfusion Research Unit
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A/Prof Zoe McQuilten speaks at the CICM Trauma conference
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TRU at the International Society of Blood Transfusion congress in Basel
Photo: L-R: Linley Bielby, Rachel Moss and Allison Mo at the ISBT session. Photo with thanks to Dr Chris Hogan. |
Aplastic Anaemia Registry and DIAAMOND study profiled at inaugural National Symposium on Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes, 25–26 May 2019Data from the Aplastic Anaemia Registry were presented at the inaugural National Symposium on Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes on 25–26 May 2019. Supported by Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision, the symposium attracted nearly 200 participants, including clinicians, research scientists and patients from across Australia and New Zealand. Dr Lucy Fox, TRU clinical research fellow, provided an overview of registry activities to date and plans for the future. A/Prof Zoe McQuilten presented a summary of the DIAAMOND study of avatrombopag, a second-generation thrombopoietin receptor agonist, which will be trialled in both treatment-naïve and relapsed/refractory adult patients with AA. DIAAMOND study is funded by the Medical Research Future Fund. Prof Erica Wood was a member of the symposium steering committee.
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Celebrating 10 years of the Thrombotic Microangiopathies Registry with a symposium at the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis and TTP practice survey
The interactive seminar, “Making sense of thrombotic microangiopathies”, features international and Australian invited speakers and interesting case discussions. All are welcome and the symposium is free to attend. Program and registration information: isth2019.org/pre-congress-symposia For more information, please contact us via email: Med-TTPRegistry@monash.edu The TTP Registry is conducting a survey of practice in managing patients with TTP and other TMAs. This survey updates a similar survey performed in 2015, and seeks to determine how widely specialised testing (ADAMTS13 levels, anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies, genetic testing etc) is being performed, the range of therapies used in the management of TTP/TMAs and if, or how, this has changed over the last 4 years. This survey should take only 15 to 20 minutes: monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0PtGBZ9fqmJaZkV |
International REDDS-2 trial – A feasibility randomised pilot trial of weekly-interval red cell transfusion schedule in myelodysplastic syndromesBuilding on the success of the REDDS-1 trial of Hb thresholds in MDS, presented at the American Society of Hematology in 2018 (bloodjournal.org/content/132/Suppl_1/527) we are conducting a randomised pilot clinical trial to assess feasibility of delivery of a weekly red cell transfusion schedule using matched red cells, and impact on quality of life and physical function outcomes, in patients with transfusion-dependent myelodysplasia (MDS). A collaboration between Australia and the UK, the aim of this study is to inform the design and conduct of a definitive international randomised trial to compare different strategies for RBC transfusion in outpatients with MDS. The Australian arm of the study is funded in part by a 2018 research grant from the Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion. |
A longitudinal population study of current transfusion needs and changes over time in elderly patients with myelodysplastic syndromesCongratulations to TRU’s Dr Allison Mo (haematologist and PhD student), A/Prof Zoe McQuilten and Prof Erica Wood, and their collaborators A/Prof Jake Shortt of Monash University and Mr Ani Goswami and Ms Christine Quek of Western and Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Services, who have been awarded 2019 research grant funding from the Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion for this project. The research will analyse multiple linked statewide population-based datasets to investigate the current needs and changing trends of transfusion requirements in MDS patients in Victoria over 15 years. The project will provide new information to clinicians, patients, health services and policy makers on current transfusion needs for MDS patients, and inform policy development and health resource allocation. |
2000th patient recruited to the Lymphoma and Related Diseases Registry
Further information is available at lardr.org. |
Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry participates in Myeloma UK patient workshop
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Recruitment completed for the RATIONAL trialThanks and congratulations to all patients, site staff and investigators involved in the RATIONAL study. The study completed recruitment in March 2019. Funded by the National Blood Authority, RATIONAL is a phase II, randomised controlled feasibility trial comparing the efficacy of prophylactic immunoglobulin with prophylactic antibiotics in patients with acquired hypogammaglobulinemia secondary to haematological malignancies. Patients enrolled in the trial are randomised to receive either immunoglobulin replacement therapy, or prophylactic oral antibiotics. The primary outcome is adherence to and acceptability of assigned treatment, with secondary outcomes including infectious outcomes, admissions, costs and quality of life being followed for 12 months. More information is available at anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview |
2,500th patient recruited to the MRDRAmong its registry projects, TRU manages the Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry (MRDR). The MRDR, chaired by Professor Andrew Spencer of the Alfred Hospital, captures and analyses data on patterns of treatment and variation in patient outcomes (both survival and quality of life) for patients with multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). The first patients were enrolled in 2013. More than 30 sites from Australia and New Zealand are already participating and additional sites are continuing to join. Congratulations to Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand who recruited the 2,500th patient! Ultimately, MRDR data will help clinicians and hospitals to provide the best possible care to people with myeloma and MGUS and allow evaluation of the translation of advances in therapy (such as the introduction of new targeted therapies) into long-term outcomes, outside the setting of clinical trials. More information on the MRDR and its projects is available at: mrdr.net.au |
400th patient recruited to the TREATT trial
TREATT is a collaboration between the NHS Blood and Transplant in the UK and Monash University. The Australian arm of the trial is funded by the NHMRC and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion. Ten Australian hospitals are currently participating. More information is available at treatt.org Congratulations to the team at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne who recruited the 400th patient! |
TRU at the American Society of Hematology conference
Data from the UK-Canada-Australian REDDS pilot study of red cell transfusion in patients with myelodysplasia were presented as an oral abstract by Dr David Bowen, with Zoe McQuilten as a co-author. See abstract 527: A Feasibility Randomized Trial of Red Cell Transfusion Thresholds in Myelodysplasia. Available at: https://ash.confex.com/ash/2018/webprogram/Paper112949.html Lucy Fox and Erica Wood were co-authors on a poster presenting data from the Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance Bone Marrow Failure Flagship. See abstract 3867: Providing Diagnoses in Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes through Multimodal Comprehensive Genomic Evaluation and Multidisciplinary Care: The Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance Bone Marrow Failure Flagship. Available at https://ash.confex.com/ash/2018/webprogram/Paper114410.html Zoe and Erica also met with colleagues for a steering committee meeting of the Asia-Pacific Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry, and made a presentation to the Myeloma Canada Research Network. |
ICAN study – Immunoglobulin use in Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia And Non-Hodgkin lymphoma – funded by the National Blood AuthorityPatients with certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), are at increased risk of infections due to the effects of their disease and treatment on levels of protective antibodies. Immunoglobulin therapy (made from donated plasma) is commonly used to prevent infections by replacing protective antibodies in this patient group, and is one of the most common and fastest growing indications in Australia. Availability of novel treatments with profound and protracted immunosuppressive effects will likely mean that immunoglobulin demand will continue to grow. However, there is limited evidence from clinical studies to guide clinicians on which patients are most likely to benefit, when to commence treatment, or for how long. The role of other strategies to prevent infection, such as prophylactic antibiotics and immunisations, have not been well studied. Working with the Australian Lymphoma and Related Disease Registry and the newly established CLL Registry, both managed by TRU, the ICAN project will collect data on current immunoglobulin replacement and other infection prevention strategies, as well as patient-centred outcomes, in Australian patients with CLL and NHL. In a subgroup of participants, the study will also collect serial blood samples for novel immune-profiling studies. The ICAN investigators are Zoe McQuilten, Erica Wood and Neil Waters from Monash University’s Transfusion Research Unit; other Monash University colleagues Orla Morrissey, Stephen Opat, Jonathan Wong and John Zalcberg; Philip Crispin from Canberra Hospital; Stephen Mulligan and Kyle Crassini from Royal North Shore Hospital/University of Sydney; and Monica Slavin and Benjamin Teh from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre/ NHRMC National Centre for Infections in Cancer. |
NHMRC success with the ASPREE-CHIP study for TRU’s A/Prof Zoe McQuilten and colleagues
CHIP is the presence of a haematological malignancy-associated somatic mutation in blood or marrow without evidence of haematological disease. CHIP is increasingly common with increasing age, and is associated with risk of haematological cancers, coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke. Mouse models support a causative link between CHIP and development of atherosclerosis. However, very few studies have been performed in humans to date, and fundamental gaps remain in our understanding. Using ASPREE trial data on incident haematological cancers, cardiovascular events, stroke, dementia and all-cause mortality, and biobanked samples at baseline and 3 years, we will study CHIP and its clinical consequences. We will also investigate the role of inflammation, and whether reducing inflammation through use of low-dose aspirin alters incidence, progression and consequences of CHIP. Investigators on the NHMRC-funded grant are: Zoe McQuilten and Erica Wood from Monash University’s Transfusion Research Unit, other Monash University colleagues David Curtis, Rory Wolfe, Paul Lacaze, John McNeil, Andrew Murphy, Moeen Riaz, Nick Wong and Robyn Woods, and Robert Sebra Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA. |
Prof Erica Wood attends meeting of World Health Organization anaemia guideline development group
Congratulations to Dr Allison Mo, haematologist and TRU PhD student, who was presented with an ANZSBT Research Grant for her work on transfusion practice in myelodysplasia.
Neil Waters attends AABB and BEST Collaborative meetings in the US
Join us in Perth at our Monash University booth in the exhibition hall, at one of our presentations or posters, or for the interest group meetings of the Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry (Monday morning) or Lymphoma and Related Diseases Registry (Tuesday morning). For these meetings please do RSVP so there are enough seats and breakfast!
More information is available at 
Dr Andrew Flint, Monash PhD candidate, recently presented his work on the ACSePT score for predicting platelet transfusion in cardiac surgery, with an oral abstract entitled “Predictive model for platelet transfusion in patients with acute haemorrhage” at the Military Health System Research Symposium in Florida, USA. Andrew is supervised by Prof Michael Reade, A/Prof Zoe McQuilten and Prof Erica Wood.
Helen Haysom, transfusion scientist and project coordin
ator for the Massive Transfusion Registry (MTR), recently updated members of the Victorian Immunohaematology Discussion Group on two interesting MTR analyses focussing on (1) the use of group O, RhD negative red cells in urgent bleeding situations, and (2) supply of RhD compatible red cells to RhD negative females of child-bearing potential – for whom the two most common major bleeding contexts were trauma and obstetric bleeding. The data were originally presented at the International Society of Blood Transfusion international congress in Toronto in 2018. The MTR provides valuable data for a wide range of purposes, including understanding and improving inventory management.
The ICAN project, led by A/Prof Zoe McQuilten, and funded by the National Blood Authority, is collecting data on immunoglobulin replacement and other infection prevention strategies, as well as patient-centred outcomes, in 500 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In a subgroup of participants, the study will also collect serial blood samples for novel immune-profiling studies. The project uses the network and infrastructure of the Lymphoma and Related Diseases Registry, which includes patients with (CLL), managed by TRU. It complements the work of the IMPROVE study in myeloma, also currently underway. Further information is available 
Congratulations to the
Professor Johanna (Anske) van der Bom, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Leiden in The Netherlands, and head of Sanquin's Center for Clinical Transfusion Research (CCTR) visited the TRU in July, while in Melbourne for the congress of the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Anske shared some of her 
research group's activities, including the role of the CCTR’s "scientific integrity committee" -- a governance and quality review mechanism for research proposals, publications and data management. Anske was the primary PhD supervisor for Dr Nic Saadah, who re-joined the TRU earlier this year.
A/Prof Zoe McQuilten presented an invited lecture on Innovations in Transfusion: Management of Traumatic Haemorrhage at the College of Intensive Care Medicine’s Annual Scientific Meeting in Cairns in June.
Dr Allison Mo and Prof Erica Wood represented TRU at the recent ISBT congress in Basel, Switzerland. Allison made an invited presentation on the multidisciplinary management of anaemia in a session focussed on the role of the transfusion practitioner, and participated in a panel discussion. Erica is president-elect of ISBT.
AAR investigators also recently published a review of AA in the Internal Medicine Journal: 
TRU is celebrating 10 years of the Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)/Thrombotic Microangiopathies Registry, and hosting a one-day symposium on Friday 5 July 2019, as one of the pre-congress symposia ahead of the meeting of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis in Melbourne, 6–10 July 2019.
Congratulations to the team at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, who recruited the 2000th patient to the Lymphoma and Related Diseases Registry (LaRDR) on 9th May 2019. Managed by TRU, and established with a pilot in 2016, LaRDR is now open at 17 sites across Australia, collecting data on non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Several collaborative research projects are underway using the registry, and more are 
Prof Erica Wood, A/Prof Zoe McQuilten and Dr Lucy Fox represented TRU at the recent ASH meeting in San Diego.
A/Prof Zoe McQuilten and colleagues have been awarded $1.416 million for a study of clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) in the elderly. This project will investigate CHIP in participants from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) study, a randomised controlled trial of daily low-dose aspirin or placebo in over 19,000 elderly but otherwise well individuals (