Blood Cancer UK

Last updated
Blood Cancer UK
Formation1960
Legal status Registered charity
PurposeBlood cancer research, Patient support
HeadquartersLondon
Chief Executive
Helen Rowntree
Website bloodcancer.org.uk
Formerly called
The Leukaemia Research Fund (1960-2010)
Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research (2010-2015)
Bloodwise (2015-2020)

Blood Cancer UK, (formerly Bloodwise, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and the Leukaemia Research Fund) is a UK-based charity dedicated to funding research into all blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, as well as offering information and support to blood cancer patients.

Contents

They invest money into blood cancer research to ensure that all patients have their disease diagnosed early and accurately, receive personal, targeted treatments which are effective and have minimal side effects in order to beat or manage their cancer.

History

Blood Cancer UK was originally set up in 1960 as the Leukaemia Research Fund. The charity was started by the Eastwood family from Middlesbrough who began raising money following the death of their 6-year-old daughter Susan. [1]

Since its foundation in 1960, Blood Cancer UK has invested over £500 million in a number of different research projects which have helped improve understanding, diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers.

In 2011 the charity launched a Trials Acceleration Programme (TAP) to enable quicker and greater access to new treatments which has subsequently received government recognition as a model of good practice. [2] This programme aims to make the process of clinical trials quicker and easier within the UK. TAP links 13 treatment centres coordinated by a central hub in Birmingham to set up more clinical trials in blood cancer. Because of this geographical spread, it means 20 million people in the UK could have access to the very latest promising blood cancer treatments, if they needed it. Until 2015, 16 new clinical trials have either been opened or approved thanks to TAP. [3]

In the financial year 2015, the charity has been able to invest £32.3 million in gross new grant commitments, one of the biggest commitments they've ever made (FY14: £23.2 million). [4] A full list of the charity's current research projects can be found on the National Cancer Research Institute’s International Cancer Research Portfolio.

In 2010 the charity renamed itself Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, and in 2015 it became Bloodwise. [1] In November 2019 the charity announced they were changing their name to Blood Cancer UK because the name Bloodwise was "confusing to the public and beneficiaries and was unpopular among staff." [5]

Activities

The charity receives no government funding and is entirely dependent on voluntary donations from fundraising events or individuals in order to fund its research.

Fundraising Events: The charity holds a number of fundraising events throughout the year including several shows at the Royal Albert Hall and sports events such as The London Bikeathon, which is the largest independently organised bikeathon in the capital. [6]

Sports Events: Supporters of the charity take part in a number of sporting events throughout the year. The events include running, cycling, swimming, triathlons and challenges. Their bright colourful t-shirts can often be seen at events up and down the country, as many supporters take part throughout the year as part of the charity's unstoppable sports team. [7]

Information and support services

Blood Cancer UK also writes and publishes patient information on a wide range of subjects including blood cancers and related disorders, treatment options and lifestyle issues, and booklets specifically designed for children with blood cancers. [8]

Blood Cancer UK provides information for children, parents and many other people affected by blood cancers as well as detailed information on the various types of leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Specific types of blood cancer included are:

Celebrity supporters

The charity has a number of celebrity supporters, including Alastair Campbell; their patron the Duke of Kent; Sir Ian Botham who is the Founding President of the charity; a significant number of the Emmerdale cast; George Rainsford, actor on British medical drama Casualty; Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes, co-hosts of The High Low podcast; [18] Sam Heughan, star actor of Scottish time-travel drama Outlander, and the Calendar Girls who have raised over £3 million with their story since 1999. [19]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leukemia</span> Blood cancers forming in the bone marrow

Leukemia is a group of blood cancers that usually begin in the bone marrow and produce high numbers of abnormal blood cells. These blood cells are not fully developed and are called blasts or leukemia cells. Symptoms may include bleeding and bruising, bone pain, fatigue, fever, and an increased risk of infections. These symptoms occur due to a lack of normal blood cells. Diagnosis is typically made by blood tests or bone marrow biopsy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lymphoma</span> Hematologic cancer that affects lymphocytes

Lymphoma is a group of blood and lymph tumors that develop from lymphocytes. The name typically refers to just the cancerous versions rather than all such tumours. Signs and symptoms may include enlarged lymph nodes, fever, drenching sweats, unintended weight loss, itching, and constantly feeling tired. The enlarged lymph nodes are usually painless. The sweats are most common at night.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chronic lymphocytic leukemia</span> Bone marrow cancer in which lymphocytes are overproduced

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes. Early on, there are typically no symptoms. Later, non-painful lymph node swelling, feeling tired, fever, night sweats, or weight loss for no clear reason may occur. Enlargement of the spleen and low red blood cells (anemia) may also occur. It typically worsens gradually over years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tumors of the hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues</span> Tumors that affect the blood, bone marrow, lymph, and lymphatic system

Tumors of the hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues or tumours of the haematopoietic and lymphoid tissues are tumors that affect the blood, bone marrow, lymph, and lymphatic system. Because these tissues are all intimately connected through both the circulatory system and the immune system, a disease affecting one will often affect the others as well, making aplasia, myeloproliferation and lymphoproliferation closely related and often overlapping problems. While uncommon in solid tumors, chromosomal translocations are a common cause of these diseases. This commonly leads to a different approach in diagnosis and treatment of hematological malignancies. Hematological malignancies are malignant neoplasms ("cancer"), and they are generally treated by specialists in hematology and/or oncology. In some centers "hematology/oncology" is a single subspecialty of internal medicine while in others they are considered separate divisions. Not all hematological disorders are malignant ("cancerous"); these other blood conditions may also be managed by a hematologist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acute lymphoblastic leukemia</span> Blood cancer characterised by overproduction of lymphoblasts

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the lymphoid line of blood cells characterized by the development of large numbers of immature lymphocytes. Symptoms may include feeling tired, pale skin color, fever, easy bleeding or bruising, enlarged lymph nodes, or bone pain. As an acute leukemia, ALL progresses rapidly and is typically fatal within weeks or months if left untreated.

Acute leukemia or acute leukaemia is a family of serious medical conditions relating to an original diagnosis of leukemia. In most cases, these can be classified according to the lineage, myeloid or lymphoid, of the malignant cells that grow uncontrolled, but some are mixed and for those such an assignment is not possible.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asparaginase</span> Enzyme used as medication and in food manufacturing

Asparaginase is an enzyme that is used as a medication and in food manufacturing. As a medication, L-asparaginase is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL). It is given by injection into a vein, muscle, or under the skin. A pegylated version is also available. In food manufacturing it is used to decrease acrylamide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acute myeloid leukemia</span> Cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal cells that build up in the bone marrow and blood and interfere with normal blood cell production. Symptoms may include feeling tired, shortness of breath, easy bruising and bleeding, and increased risk of infection. Occasionally, spread may occur to the brain, skin, or gums. As an acute leukemia, AML progresses rapidly, and is typically fatal within weeks or months if left untreated.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dasatinib</span> Chemical compound

Dasatinib, sold under the brand name Sprycel among others, is a targeted therapy medication used to treat certain cases of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Specifically it is used to treat cases that are Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+). It is taken by mouth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inotuzumab ozogamicin</span> Chemical compound

Inotuzumab ozogamicin, sold under the brand name Besponsa, is an antibody-drug conjugate medication used to treat relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It is administered by intravenous infusion.

Biphenotypic acute leukaemia (BAL) is an uncommon type of leukemia which arises in multipotent progenitor cells which have the ability to differentiate into both myeloid and lymphoid lineages. It is a subtype of "leukemia of ambiguous lineage".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Omacetaxine mepesuccinate</span> Chemical compound

Omacetaxine mepesuccinate is a pharmaceutical drug substance that is indicated for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Childhood leukemia</span> Medical condition

Childhood leukemia is leukemia that occurs in a child and is a type of childhood cancer. Childhood leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, accounting for 29% of cancers in children aged 0–14 in 2018. There are multiple forms of leukemia that occur in children, the most common being acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) followed by acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Survival rates vary depending on the type of leukemia, but may be as high as 90% in ALL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Obatoclax</span> Chemical compound

Obatoclax mesylate, also known as GX15-070, is an experimental drug for the treatment of various types of cancer. It was discovered by Gemin X, which was acquired by Cephalon, which has since been acquired by Teva Pharmaceuticals. Several Phase II clinical trials were completed that investigated use of obatoclax in the treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, myelofibrosis, and mastocytosis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ponatinib</span> Medication

Ponatinib, sold under the brand name Iclusig, is a medication used for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia and Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It was developed by Ariad Pharmaceuticals. It is a multi-targeted tyrosine-kinase inhibitor. Some forms of chronic myeloid leukemia, those that have the T315I mutation, are resistant to current therapies such as imatinib. Ponatinib has been designed to be effective against these types of tumors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Idelalisib</span> Chemical compound

Idelalisib, sold under the brand name Zydelig, is a medication used to treat certain blood cancers. Idelalisib acts as a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor; more specifically, it blocks P110δ, the delta isoform of the enzyme phosphoinositide 3-kinase. It was developed by Gilead Sciences. It is taken orally.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Umbralisib</span> Chemical compound

Umbralisib, sold under the brand name Ukoniq, is an anti-cancer medication for the treatment of marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and follicular lymphoma (FL). It is taken by mouth.

Camidanlumab tesirine is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) composed of a human antibody that binds to the protein CD25, conjugated to a pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimer toxin. The experimental drug, developed by ADC Therapeutics is being tested in clinical trials for the treatment of B-cell Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and for the treatment of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Christine J. Harrison is a Professor of Childhood Cancer Cytogenetics at Newcastle University. She works on acute leukemia and used cytogenetics to optimise treatment protocols.

References

  1. 1 2 "Our history". Blood Cancer UK. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  2. "Strategy for UK life sciences: one year on - Publications - GOV.UK" (PDF). www.bis.gov.uk. Retrieved 2015-11-25.
  3. "Our Trials Acceleration Programme". Bloodwise. Retrieved 2015-11-25.
  4. "Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements for year ended 31 March 2016" (PDF). Bloodwise. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
  5. Kay, Liam. "Cancer charity to change its name for the second time in four years". Third Sector. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
  6. "London Bikeathon - Bloodwise". Archived from the original on 2015-11-27.
  7. "Events and challenges - Bloodwise". Archived from the original on 2015-11-27.
  8. "Support for you". Blood Cancer UK. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  9. "Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)" (PDF). Blood Cancer UK. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  10. "Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)" (PDF). Blood Cancer UK. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  11. "Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL)" (PDF). Blood Cancer UK. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  12. "Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)" (PDF). Blood Cancer UK. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  13. "Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)" (PDF). Blood Cancer UK. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  14. "High Grade non-Hodgkin Lymphoma" (PDF). Blood Cancer UK. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  15. "Hodgkin lumphoma" (PDF). Blood Cancer UK. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  16. "Low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma" (PDF). Blood Cancer UK. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  17. "Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)" (PDF). Blood Cancer UK. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  18. "Blood Cancer UK | The High Low Show". Blood Cancer UK. Archived from the original on 2020-12-08. Retrieved 2021-03-02.
  19. "Calendar Girls". Bloodwise. Archived from the original on 2015-11-27. Retrieved 2015-11-26.