Clinical Haematology research

Our Clinical Haematology service is affiliated with the laboratory and clinical research conducted by the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases (ACBD).

ACBD is a leading national and international blood diseases centre with recognised research, treatment, and educational programs for blood diseases. ACBD is affiliated with The Alfred, Monash University, Eastern Health and Southern Health.

Research is divided into two main groups:

Blood cancers and stem cells
Haemostasis and thrombosis

For more information about our research groups, teaching and education programs, visit the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases.

Lead researchers

Prof Harshal Nandurkar is the Director of Clinical Haematology and head of the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases.

Prof Andrew Spencer is the Head of our Malignant Haematology & Stem Cell Transplantation Service.

Prof David Curtis is head of the Division of Blood Cancer Research at the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases.

As the Director of Research, Stephen Jane is responsible to the Chief Executive for the strategic direction and governance of research at Alfred Health.

Current research

Acute Leukaemia Research Group

Our group focuses on several haematopoietic transcription factors recurrently mutated in acute lymphoblastic and myeloid leukemias (ALL and AML) and their role in tumour suppressor gene function.

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Research Group

The Wei and Guthridge research groups focus on the mechanisms by which cancer cells co-opt and coerce intracellular signalling pathways to promote deregulated cell survival, proliferation and growth.

Leukaemia Signalling Pathways Group

The normal human immune system functions not only to remove infected cells but also to remove damaged or pre-cancerous cells.

Mammalian Functional Genetics Unit

Our group uses transgenic mouse models and ES / iPS (embryonic stem / induced pluripotent stem) cell-based technologies to study cell fate and cellular transformation at the molecular level.

Myeloma Research Group

Our group explores novel therapeutic approaches for multiple myeloma (MM) in preclinical and clinical studies.

Red Cell Research Group

We have developed a novel drug for blocking the activity of an enzyme important for the control of haemoglobin production and growth of blood cancers such as polycythemia and myelofibrosis.

Stem Cell Biology Group

Our research focuses on the regulation of stem cells in haematopoietic and leukaemic cells through genetic and epigenetic studies.

Molecular Neurotrauma and Haemostasis Unit

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) becomes compromised in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ischemic stroke patients, particularly after treatment with the thrombolytic agent tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA).

NanoBiotechnology Group

We are interested in how antibody targeted imaging agents and drug delivery vehicles can improve clinical diagnosis and therapy.

Platelets and Thrombosis Laboratory

Arterial thrombosis underlies heart attacks and strokes and is the most common cause of death in Australia.

Systems Haematology Unit

Our group investigates platelet receptor levels in health and disease and how changes result in altered platelet function.

Vascular Biology Group

Our research aims to identify pathways linking inflammation and thrombosis and to develop novel therapeutics targeted to specific vascular beds.

Partners

Australian Centre for Blood Diseases

Publications

Low T-cell responses to mitogen stimulation predicts poor survival in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Yong MK, Cameron PU, Slavin MA, Cheng AC, Morrissey CO, Bergin K, Spencer A, Ritchie D, Lewin SR

(2017), Front Immunol, 8, 1506

DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01506

Basic mechanisms of platelet receptor shedding

Andrews RK, Gardiner EE

(2017), Platelets, 28(4), 319-24

DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2016.1235690

Targeted therapies for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL)

Curtis DJ

(2017), Br J Haematol, 177(2), 169-70

DOI: 10.1111/bjh.14559

View all publications for Clinical Haematology research

Latest news

Researchers are a step closer to offering older patients with an aggressive blood cancer, acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a new less-toxic treatment option.

A complex surgery to remove chronic blood clots from arteries in the lungs is giving Australians and New Zealanders a second chance.

The Alfred and Monash University are set to establish Australia’s first dedicated blood cancer research centre, thanks to a $1.2 million grant from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF).

Prof Harshal Nandurkar Clinical Haematology research