History PDF

Background

The foundation of the CLL Global Research Foundation (CLLGRF) in the USA, together with the collaboration of key CLL research groups and new funding strategies, have had significant benefits for CLL research. These groups have focused on bringing clinicians, scientists and researchers together with patients and their families in a cooperative effort to facilitate and advance CLL-specific research and clinical studies, to provide patients with beneficial outcomes relevant to their disease status.

These groups provided the impetus for the foundation and evolution of the CLLARC. In October 2005, Dr Stephen Mulligan together with Dr Michael Keating from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and the CLL Global Research Foundation (CLLGRF), organised a Symposium in Sydney with a view to establishing a CLL dedicated group in Australia, as shown in the following timeline:

CLLARC Historical Timeline

15th October 2005:

A CLL Global Research Foundation (CLLGRF) Symposium was held in Sydney. The symposium aimed to introduce the concept of a CLL research group to Australia.

November 2005
(ALLG Meeting):

An inaugural CLL Forum was held, coinciding with the Australasian Leukaemia Lymphoma Group (ALLG) meeting. At this meeting, the CLLARC was founded and an executive Steering Committee was appointed:

  • Dr Stephen Mulligan (Founder and Chairman, Sydney)
  • Dr John Seymour (Melbourne)
  • Dr Ken Bradstock (Sydney)
  • Dr Devinder Gill (Brisbane)
  • Dr Bryone Kuss (Adelaide).

November 2005 - March, 2006

Preparation and submission of grant request for Seeding Grant to Establish a Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Australian Research Consortium (CLLARC) written and submitted by Dr S. Mulligan

May 2006
(ALLG Meeting):

Presentation at ALLG with aim to foster interest and discussion of objectives for CLLARC

August 2006
(CLLARC Core Group Meeting):

This CLLARC Meeting outcomes included:

  • Gaps were identified in current CLL first-line treatment practices.
  • Consensus was gained on two clinical trial concepts for further development.
  • Next steps for the Australian CLL Steering Committee were identified.

November 2006
(ALLG Meeting):

Notification of successful grant application from CLL Global Research Foundation for Seeding Grant to establish CLLARC

20th March 2007
(CLLARC Core Group Meeting):

This CLLARC Meeting outcomes included:

  • The establishment of CLLARC Management and Project Committee Members.
  • Agreement of the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia (LFA) role within the CLLARC.