A blood cancer research collaboration involving Prof Andy Pettitt, Consultant Haemato-Oncologist at Clatterbridge, and Dr Lekh Dahal at the University of Liverpool was selected for this year’s North West Cancer Research Excellence in Research Award.
The research is investigating the STING pathway in follicular lymphoma and involves samples from the phase III PACIFICO trial for which the Clatterbridge Haemato-Oncology team was the second top recruiter out of more than 80 UK sites.
Follicular lymphoma is the most common type of low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with about 2,300 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK alone. Although the disease usually responds to initial treatment, therapy resistance is a significant problem. This is partly due to changes in the immune system which influence how quickly the lymphoma grows, how well it responds to therapy, and whether latent viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) become active.
The research is focusing on the STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) pathway as a potential therapeutic target in follicular lymphoma. STING is a crucial component of the immune response to DNA released from viruses or damaged cells. Understanding how the STING pathway regulates lymphoma growth, therapy response and viral reactivation in follicular lymphoma should provide new insights into how the immune microenvironment might be manipulated to improve patient outcomes.
Dr Dahal, who is leading the research, said: “The research illustrates the potential for novel approaches in immunotherapy that may one day transform the way follicular lymphoma and other blood cancers are treated.
“Receiving this award during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, held each September, emphasises the urgent need for research into and public awareness of diseases like leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, and underscores the relevance of our research in the broader fight against blood cancers.”
Prof Pettitt, who led the PACIFICO trial, commented: “I am delighted that Dr Dahal and his team have received the recognition they deserve for their pioneering work into the STING pathway in follicular lymphoma, and it is timely that the award was made at the end of blood cancer awareness month.
“By harnessing the research potential of stored samples from the PACIFICO trial, Dr Dahal’s research has helped to further cement Liverpool’s position as a national hub for follicular lymphoma research.”
