CMFT joins new national IMPACT network to deliver early stem cell transplantation trials

Manchester Royal Infirmary has been selected as one of ten national IMPACT centres to support a new UK platform for stem cell transplantation clinical trials.

Congratulations to the haematology research team at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT), headed by Dr Eleni Tholouli, who will receive funding to recruit a new Band 6 Research Nurse for the four-year project.

IMPACT is a national initiative which aims to accelerate the delivery of early phase trials in stem cell transplantation. It will be facilitated by the British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (BSBMT), and supported by partners including the NIHR, Anthony Nolan, NHSBT and Leuka.

CMFT was selected as a participating centre due to its track record of successfully delivering NIHR CRN portfolio haemato-oncology and transplant studies, quality of local research infrastructure and the academic strength of the transplant team.

The pilot project aims to facilitate more trials and a greater number of participating patients, as well as reducing set-up and recruitment times. IMPACT also offers an opportunity to drive scientific research in predictive biomarkers, genomic mechanisms of resistance to therapy and drug discovery.

Dr Eleni Tholouli, Director of Adult Stem Cell Transplantation and Consultant Haemotologist at CMFT, said: “This is an outstanding achievement for the haematology research team, and credit to all our research staff for their track record of delivering first-class trials with demonstrable outcomes for patients. The IMPACT platform is a fantastic opportunity to build on this, and we are delighted to have been chosen as one of ten participating centres in the UK.

It is an exciting time to be involved in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy in the UK, and we in Manchester look forward to playing our part to deliver pioneering research to benefit transplant patients in the future.