We are excited to announce that we have secured pan-European funding for a research project which could improve the quality of life and long-term survival for bone marrow transplant recipients.
We are one of five organisations to receive funding for their T-Control project from the European Union. They will receive €1,200,000 of the €5,682,536 allocated to the project over three years.
The project will explore how white blood cells can help treat transplanted patients with a cellular product specifically designed to fight infection, relapse or GvHD (Graft versus Host Disease). GvHD is a common side effect from blood stem cell transplants which can, in some circumstances, leave patients with life-long complications. It will also allow Anthony Nolan to perform a clinical trial to regulate GvHD using T cells (white blood cells) found in umbilical cord blood.
Professor Alejandro Madrigal, Scientific Director at Anthony Nolan, says, “GvHD is a serious post-transplant condition which can have a severe impact on a transplant patient’s quality of life; in some cases, it can ultimately lead to death.
“Currently only around half of transplant recipients are still alive five years post-transplant. The funding grant for the T-Control project will allow us to look at ways of fighting GvHD, infection and relapse, which will not only provide patients with a better quality of life immediately post-transplant but in the long-term it will help us to save more lives.”
Up to 40% of patients who survive a bone marrow transplant will suffer from chronic GvHD for the rest of their lives. Symptoms include: rashes on the body, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, jaundice, and dryness in the mouth, throat and eyes.
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