Medical Forum
WA clinical trial delivers improved blood cancer outcomes
A WA-led clinical trial has improved outcomes for patients with a form of blood cancer, with more than 80% of patients having no detectable disease after treatment.
About the Author
Medical Forum
The LEVERAGE trial offered patients diagnosed with advanced follicular lymphoma a chemotherapy-free treatment option.
Led by Clinical Haematologist Professor Chan Cheah at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH), the trial investigated a combination of three medicines - obinutuzumab, venetoclax, and lenalidomide - which work in different ways harness the body's own immune system against the lymphoma.
As part of this phase of the trial, 50 patients with previously untreated advanced follicular lymphoma received treatment. Of those, 92% responded to treatment and 86% had no detectable cancer following treatment.
After 18 months some 92% remained free from disease progression.
Follicular lymphoma is the most common type of slow-growing lymphoma in the Western world.
Professor Cheah said being able to improve patient's lives was incredibly rewarding and humbling.
"Patients and their families place enormous trust in us, often at very difficult times in their lives, and being able to offer a treatment that may extend life, improve quality of life or restore hope is a privilege," he said.
"It is never an individual effort. It reflects the work of an entire team, including our remarkable nurses, fellows, registrars, pharmacists, scientists and clinical trials staff."
Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson said the trial demonstrates WA’s clinical research capabilities.
“These are highly encouraging results from a WA-led study exploring whether this lymphoma can be treated effectively without conventional chemotherapy,” he said.
The state government made an election commitment to support clinical trials within WA through ClinicalTrialsWA.
“For West Australian patients, this means opportunities to access innovative treatments here at home while contributing to research that could benefit patients around the world,” Mr Dawson added.