Melbourne scientists reveal blood cancer wonder drug

Monash University is developing a new blood cancer drug that could be a gamechanger for sufferers of leukaemia.

A new blood cancer drug is being developed by Monash University. Picture: iStock

A new cancer drug developed in Melbourne is offering fresh hope to leukaemia patients around the world.

A global trial led by Monash University and the Alfred Hospital has found a wonder drug called CC-486 may prevent blood cancer patients from relapsing and help them live longer.

The tablet, which can be taken at home, has been shown to dramatically improve the survival chances of older adults with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a disease which claims the lives of many patients within just two years, even after intensive chemotherapy.

Professor Andrew Wei from the Monash University Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, and a haematologist at Alfred Health, said the world first trial – called QUAZAR – targeted people with AML over the age of 55 because the chance their cancer would return was high.

“Many older patients are not eligible to receive a stem cell transplant and so a less toxic option to reduce disease recurrence is desirable, rather than just being monitored and waiting for the disease to come back … it is very exciting to think that, by taking a tablet that is relatively well-tolerated, we can help reduce relapse risk and improve survival,” Prof Wei said.

“Our findings show that CC-486 significantly delays recurrence of the disease, thereby prolonging survival and without impacting on quality of life.

“This is a very significant advance because the drug is easy to administer and means that adults with AML don’t have to spend extra time in hospital.”

AML was the most acute blood cancer in adults, with many older patients given a poor prognosis and limited ongoing treatment options, he said.

Nearly 1000 Australians a year are diagnosed with AML.

But while the new drug has been fast-tracked in the United States, it has not yet been approved for use in Australia.

That’s something Woolamai’s Ivan Homer, 55, would like to see change.

After participating in the trial, the blood cancer patient describes himself as “a lucky man”.

Not only was he fortunate his potentially deadly blood cancer was detected early in a routine check-up, he was also lucky to be one of just a few people worldwide to be offered the trial “maintenance drug”, to help prevent it returning.

Despite suffering some nausea initially, Mr Homer said the treatment had worked and he was now recovered and feeling great.

“I’m fine … feel great, in remission and … a very lucky man indeed,” he said.