Understanding long-term outcomes of childhood blood disorders

A2001526

Young people diagnosed with the most common forms of childhood blood cancers, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia, are more likely than ever before to survive. In Yorkshire, 88 out of 100 diagnosed before their 15th birthday and 77 out of 100 diagnosed between their 15th and 25th birthdays, will become long-term survivors. There are other non-cancer, but life-limiting, serious blood disorders which are inherited and usually diagnosed in childhood. These include sickle cell disease and Beta-thalassaemia. They are frequently treated with similar treatments to Leukaemia. Compared with leukaemia, outcomes of these treatments and the quality of life of those living with them are much less well understood, as very few research studies are being carried out to explore these areas. These conditions almost always occur in non-white people, who are known to be at greater risk of health and social inequalities than the white population.  

Young people diagnosed with these blood conditions are at significant risk of premature death, and long-term morbidity due to the underlying diagnosis and the treatment they must undergo. This project will establish a research platform to deliver new and world-leading evidence of the consequences of survival from life-threatening blood conditions in young people. This includes both physical health, and social and psychological wellbeing.

Lead Researcher	Prof. Adam Glaser
Co-Researchers	Prof. Richard Feltblower Dr Jacob Grinfeld Dr Beki James Dr Mike Richards Dr Ruben Mujica-Mota
Host Organisation	Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Grant Amount	£674,735.74
Start Date	01/04/2022
Estimated Duration	5 years 10 months
Impact Areas	Health Inequalities - Paediatric Care
Tags/key notes	Blood