When a person needs a stem cell transplant, it's usually their only chance of survival. But even though we provide two people a day with a lifesaving transplant, we still need to improve the outcome of their procedure.
This is why research is crucial to our work. Their main goal is to find ways to make transplantation more successful. Our Research Institute works in four teams and is directed towards:
Immunogenetics
We match donors to patients by their tissue type. Our immunogenetics research looks at how we can improve the way we classify tissue types. The more accurate we are at identifying and matching people together, the more successful we can be. We also study other genetic factors that influence the outcome of a transplant.
Immunotherapy
People suffering from leukaemia have very fragile immune systems. We look at enhancing the ability of grafted (transplanted) cells so that they can provide immune protection for the patient. This is especially important in fighting any leukaemia that has survived the chemotherapy. It also helps to limit the problems caused by viruses after transplantation and provides the best conditions so that healthy donor cells can multiply as fast as possible.
Bioinformatics
Curating the World Health Organisation HLA Nomenclature database, ensuring that all new tissue types are consistently documented.
Immune reconstitution
Investigating what slows down or speeds up the regeneration of immune cells after transplantation. Finding ways of improving the body’s ability to replace its own damaged white cells after chemotherapy. This helps reduce infection in patients and improves our understanding of the critical factors in the transplant.
