• Skip to main content
  • Skip to navigation
  • Accessibility
  • Contact Us
Government of Western Australia Crest
Government of Western Australia
Government of Western Australia Crest

Additional Menu

  • Accessibility
  • Contact us
Go to WA Government search
  • About Us
    • Health Service Board
    • Executive
    • Our Vision and Values
      • Values in Action Award
    • Strategic Planning
    • Work with Us
      • Vacancies
      • Careers at EMHS
      • Pay and Benefits
      • How to Join Us
      • Pathways to Working with Us
      • Diversity and Inclusion
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Annual Reports
    • Accessing Records
      • Accessing Records via Freedom of Information
      • Accessing Records via the Mental Health Act
    • Governance
  • Hospitals and Services
    • Hospitals
      • Armadale Health Service
      • Bentley Health Service
      • Kalamunda Hospital
      • Royal Perth Hospital
      • St John of God Midland Public Hospital
    • Aboriginal Health
      • Moorditj Djena – Strong Feet
      • Aboriginal Healthy Lifestyle Programs
      • Aboriginal Acute Care Coordination
      • Service Collaboration
      • Aboriginal Health Strategy
      • Wool-lar Aboriginal Volunteer Program
    • Health Promotion
      • Overview
      • Alcohol
      • Nutrition
      • Obesity
      • Physical Activity
      • Smoking
    • Mental Health
      • Community Services
      • Inpatient and Other Services
    • Services
      • Aishwarya's CARE Call
      • Elective Surgery
      • Emergency Departments
      • Health Technology Management Unit
      • HIVE – Health in a Virtual Environment
      • Maternity Services
      • State Trauma Services
    • Voluntary Assisted Dying
  • Patient Care
    • Safety and Quality
      • Preventing Complications in Hospital
      • Preventing Infections in Our Health Service
      • Caring for Our Mental Health Clients
      • Getting It Right the First Time
      • Learning for Patient Safety
      • Care Opinion
      • The Patient Experience
    • Partnering with Consumers
      • Consumer Advisory Committees
      • Volunteering
      • Wool-lar Aboriginal Volunteer Program
    • Choosing Wisely
    • Carers Charter
    • Patient Resources
    • Disability Access and Inclusion Plan
  • Health Professionals
    • Central Referral Service
    • Contracted Medical Practitioners
    • Library and Information Service
  • Research
    • COVID-19 and research
    • About Our Research
    • Research News
    • Mental Health Research Fund
    • Research Strategy
    • For Researchers
      • Research Ethics and Governance Submissions
      • Research Governance Information and Tips
      • Royal Perth Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee
      • Amendments and Safety Reports
      • Research Education, Training and Seminars
      • Grant Opportunities
      • Resources
    • Current Projects
    • Foundation and Network Partners
  • News
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. 2019
  4. 09
  5. New Leukemia treatment dubbed 'a magic bullet'

New Leukemia treatment dubbed 'a magic bullet'

New Leukemia treatment dubbed 'a magic bullet'

Magic bullet image
25/09/2019

Researchers from RPH’s Haematology department have helped uncover a new drug that can contain/treat a type of aggressive Leukemia.

The immunotherapy is so effective they've dubbed it "the magic bullet".

The magic bullet includes two pills taken every day and a small injection of chemotherapy seven days a month. It's a form of immunotherapy that works by targeting mutant proteins in the blood.

Howard Kurth is the first patient in Australia to undergo the treatment. He was diagnosed with the cancer, called Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, two years ago. He says he was given just days to live.

Mr Kurth’s health was so bad he wasn't eligible for typical chemotherapy. But thanks to the new treatment he's just celebrated his 80th birthday.

Haematology’s Dr Peter Tan says they are now using the results to personalise treatments.

"What we're trying to find are certain markers to personalise treatment for patients as we know a one-size-fits-all doesn't help everybody," he said.

Dr Tan believes this discovery could transform the way other cancers are treated in the future.

"We think it will change the standard therapy and once it does become available for all patients, it will be the new gold standard across the world," he said.

RPH is the only hospital in the country taking part in the world first study and the Haematology department is looking for more patients to take part of the drug trial.

The treatment is not expected to be available to the public for around five years.

Watch the story on the 9 News Perth website (external link). Image courtesy of the 9 News Perth.

Previous Next
Last Updated: 15/04/2021
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Footer menu

  • wa.gov.au
  • Copyright
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Sitemap
  • Contact Us

Brought to you by the Department of Health, Western Australia

© Government of Western Australia 2018 to