Striving for better outcomes in blood cancer treatment
26 September 2024
Blood cancers like myeloma, leukaemia and lymphoma make up almost 30 per cent of the cancers we treat at Peter Mac.
Our Haematology team are some of the best in the world at providing patient centred care and our researchers are dedicated to finding the most effective blood cancer treatment to help our patients live longer.
September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month and Molly Robertson, senior research nurse in the lymphoma haematology team at Peter Mac, reflects on the rapid advances in blood cancer treatments.
Senior Research Nurse Molly Robertson in the lymphoma haematology team
“It’s an exciting and rewarding time to be involved in clinical trials for blood cancer because there are so many treatments emerging and it’s great to be part of such a dynamic field,” Molly said.
“Haematology research is such an interesting and challenging area to work in and we have a wonderful team here at Peter Mac from the study co-ordinators to the nurses, and haematologists.
“Clinical trials are so important for our patients because it gives them access to what is potentially the best new therapy available and while patients undergoing a trial have a lot more visits and procedures, we strive to create a caring and supportive environment for them.
“It’s a privilege to be part of the clinical trial journey with our patients, giving them access to therapies that are, in some cases, first in the world. This is what makes my role as a clinical research nurse so rewarding as I get to be with the patient every step of the way.”
Molly with some of the Parkville Cancer Clinical Trials team
Molly explained that there are more options available to patients now than ever before.
“We have lots of exciting new blood cancer trials that have opened recently, some for newly diagnosed patients and others for people whose previous treatments have not been effective.
“We are very fortunate to often have early access to new treatments which allows our blood cancer patients to experience brand new treatments through clinical trials.
“I have been in this role for six years now and I have seen a real change in that time with the introduction of cellular therapies and T-cell engaging bi-specifics.”
To learn more about haematology clinical trials on offer at Peter Mac please visit our website.
If you would like to support further research into blood cancer please visit our Peter Mac Foundation.