Auckland launch of first blood cancer research unit
12 August 2014
New Zealand’s first Leukaemia and Blood Cancer Research Unit will be launched at the University of Auckland today.
(Tuesday 12 August, 4.30-5.30pm)
The research unit will focus on innovative research into the causes and treatment of blood cancers and related
conditions and is part of an integrated cancer centre in the Auckland Academic Health Alliance - an alliance between the
University of Auckland and the Auckland District Health Board.
Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand provided more than $1 million towards the research unit which also supports the
Marijanna Kumerich Chair in Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research at the University.
The inaugural holder of the chair is Professor Stefan Bohlander who joined the University of Auckland late last year
from the University of Marburg in Germany. Professor Bohlander will give his inaugural lecture at the University’s
Faculty for Medical and Health Sciences after the launch of the unit.
It is estimated that more than 10,000 people in New Zealand are living with blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma or
myeloma or a related blood condition. These conditions can affect anyone at any age at any time and little is currently
known about their causes.
Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Auckland to support innovative
research to help improve outcomes for patients.
The establishment of the research unit is seen as a big step forward into research into blood cancers and related
conditions, and is expected to provide a key link in translation of research findings into treatments for New Zealanders
with these illnesses.
ENDS