New tool to revolutionise care for chronic leukaemia patients

Blood cancer research charity Leukaemia UK is funding the initiative led by Professor Francesco Forconi at University Hospital Southampton.

Professor Forconi, the first recipient of the charity's Patient Care Pioneer Award, will develop a new risk assessment tool for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).

Professor Forconi said: "I am honoured to receive the inaugural Patient Care Pioneer Award from Leukaemia UK. This innovative funding initiative supports our cutting-edge research at Southampton University Hospital, where we are developing an advanced computer-based risk assessment tool for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL).

"By precisely characterising the B-cell receptor, the fundamental driver of the tumour, we aim to identify CLL patients at low risk of disease progression. This will significantly reduce unnecessary clinical interventions, enhance the quality of life for CLL patients, and alleviate strain on healthcare resources."

The tool aims to identify low-risk patients more accurately, reducing the need for them to return to hospital regularly for monitoring.

CLL, the most common blood cancer in adults, is typically managed through a 'watch and wait' approach, which many patients find stressful.

Only one in four people with CLL will require treatment.

Professor Forconi's research involves assigning a risk score to certain biological markers of the disease.

The goal is to create an app that can identify low-risk patients, allowing them to initiate follow-ups as needed, rather than on a fixed schedule.

This change could reduce strain on the NHS and improve patients' quality of life.

For Kay Cutting, 62, who lives in Seaham, County Durham, Professor Forconi’s work holds special significance.

Ms Cutting said: "I know of people with CLL who have been on watch and wait for many years, and others who progress to treatment more quickly. I guess you never know which camp you are going to be in. I have also been told that there are some very effective targeted treatments or chemotherapy should I need it."

The patient-initiated follow-up model will be used at University Hospital Southampton, allowing patients to seek care only when necessary.

This approach aims to reduce unnecessary clinical interventions, easing pressure on healthcare services and providing patients with more control over their care.