Australian researchers have unveiled a new, highly targeted approach to treating myelofibrosis, a rare and serious blood cancer, offering hope for therapies that go beyond symptom management. The team, comprising scientists from the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), SA Pathology, and the University of Adelaide, has developed an immunotherapy-based method that directly attacks the abnormal blood cells driving the disease. Their findings were published on Monday, January 12, 2026, in the international journal Blood.
The study focuses on selectively eliminating the disease-causing cells, rather than merely alleviating symptoms such as fatigue, pain, enlarged spleen, and reduced quality of life, which current treatments primarily address. The research was co-led by Professor Daniel Thomas, director of SAHMRI’s Blood Cancer program, and Professor Angel Lopez, Head of Human Immunology at SA Pathology, with significant contributions from Dr Denis Tvorogov of the University of Adelaide and Cancer Council SA research fellow Dr Chloe Thompson-Peach. A statement detailing the work was also published on SAHMRI’s website under the title “New targeted treatment offers hope for people with myelofibrosis.”