DKK 4.2 million in funding towards research into leukaemia
Professor Peter Hokland and his research team from Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital have received two grants to conduct research into the disease acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) – a cancer of the bone marrow and blood.
The ‘Knæk Cancer’ (Beat Cancer) pool administered by the Danish Cancer Society has given DKK 2.25 million to a project that is very close to the patient. In this project Peter Hokland and his research team will examine whether patients with AML can go to their own GP for check-ups, instead of having to visit the hospital.
Very sensitive methods have been developed, making it possible to use a blood test to discover a relapse of AML at a very early stage – and the blood sample can be taken at the GP without any problems. This will be particularly beneficial for older patients facing a long journey to the hospital.
The Danish Cancer Society has also given DKK 1.95 million to a very basic research project that will benefit patients in the future. In this project, researchers will map the stem cells in the patient's blood that are believed to be the reason for AML arising. The individual stem cells will be analysed and Peter Hokland hopes that, in the long term, medicine can be developed which targets the stem cells, so that AML can be completely cured.
Further information
Professor Peter Hokland
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine and
Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Haematology
Direct tel.: +45 7846 758
phokland@clin.au.dk