Cancer Research UK has allocated £2.5 million ($3.4 million) to researchers at the University of York to help transform care for patients diagnosed with blood cancers. 

The funding is for the world leading Haematological Malignancy Research Network (HMRN), one of the most comprehensive blood cancer research networks in the world.

Founded in 2004, HMRN works with 14 hospitals across Yorkshire and the Humber, tracking data on every person diagnosed with a blood cancer in the region. Around 3,000 people are diagnosed in the region each year, with HMRN providing accurate data across all types of blood cancer.

The new investment will help researchers expand their understanding of how people are diagnosed, how well treatments are working, and what can be done to improve outcomes for patients, not just in Yorkshire, but across the UK. 

“It wasn’t until 2001 that there was worldwide consensus around the diagnostic criteria for blood cancers. Before that, there was no accurate population-based data and no consistent way of classifying or treating these diseases.

“HMRN was one of the first studies in the world to publish accurate information showing how many people were being diagnosed with different subtypes of blood cancer and how they responded to treatment.” 

HMRN’s research informs NHS planning and NICE decisions  

There are more than 100 types of blood cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. While these diseases vary widely, they all affect the blood forming or immune systems. Blood cancers are most commonly diagnosed in older adults, although they can affect people of any age. 

The consistent, high quality diagnostic approach taken by HMRN allows clinicians and researchers to compare like for like cases, track trends over time, and understand the real-world impact of new cancer drugs and treatments in everyday NHS settings.

The data collected by HMRN is internationally recognised for its accuracy and is used to inform NICE decisions, national clinical guidelines and NHS planning. 

All patients diagnosed with a blood cancer in the region are automatically included in the HMRN database. Many also choose to actively contribute further, by sharing information about their lives and experiences, helping clinicians and researchers identify patterns that could save lives in the future. 

“HMRN is a collaborative venture that has developed over many years,” Smith said.  

“Thanks to continued investment from Cancer Research UK, and one of our first funders Blood Cancer UK, we have created a rich database that acts as vital research infrastructure for us and for the wider research community.

“HMRN’s regional population of around four million people has a similar age and gender profile to the UK as a whole, and a comparable socioeconomic and population distribution to England. These similarities mean we’re uniquely placed to generate findings that can be generalised nationally and help inform policy and clinical decision-making.” 

Insights help ‘better diagnosis and treatment pathways’ 

The latest funding from Cancer Research UK, in addition to £5 million ($6.8 million) previous investment by the charity, will enable the team to investigate health inequalities in blood cancer outcomes, including why people living in more deprived areas may not respond as well to treatment, despite receiving the same care.

Researchers will also continue vital work into vulnerable diagnostic groups, including how patients respond to infections and vaccinations, such as Covid–19.

“The investment also strengthens the University of York’s position as a growing hub for blood cancer research, including through the University of York’s Centre for Blood Research, which is attracting leading scientists and clinicians from across the UK to work collaboratively across biology, diagnostics, epidemiology and patient focused research,” Smith said.

“While long term research doesn’t always change care overnight, HMRN’s insights ensure future generations benefit from better diagnosis, fairer treatment pathways and more effective therapies.” 

“Cancer Research UK’s funding for world-class work like this is made possible by our fundraisers and supporters,” added Lydia Bird, spokesperson for Cancer Research UK. 

“All of us can support the research that will help to beat cancer. We’re proud to support the exceptional HMRN team. Our funding will help researchers better understand different types of blood cancer and why treatment works better for some people than others.

“This work will benefit not only people in Yorkshire, but communities across the UK and potentially the world. Insights from HMRN could help shape future policy and improve care, so that many more people affected by cancer can live longer, better lives.”