Improving access and equity to blood cancer genomic diagnostics and treatment in the Northern Territory

Access to testing and treatment for blood cancer in the Northern Territory is limited, largely due to geographic challenges and a lack of accredited blood cancer experts. The Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) is the only hospital in NT that provides haematology and comprehensive cancer services, and plays a central role providing equity of access of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients to blood cancer care. 

This project, led by Dr Emma Palfreyman (RDH), will establish a collaboration between RDH and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (PMCC), funding the traineeship of blood cancer specialists from RDH at the world-class facilities of PMCC in Victoria. It will create a framework between the two organisations facilitating the interpretation and delivery of results by specialists at RDH. This project pilots a model of involving regional centres in building a supported network of Australian genomic test centres providing timely, high-quality care for patients with blood cancers in Australia.