Clinical Studies
The Malaghan Institute is very fortunate to have two on-site clinicians, Dr Robert Weinkove, a Senior Haematology Trainee from the United Kingdom, and Rheumatologist Dr Rebecca Grainger, who are each overseeing clinical studies that will contribute towards their PhD research.
A clinical study differs from a clinical trial in that the patients involved are not being given a treatment as such. In clinical trials, patients are assessed for their response to a new drug or intervention. An example of this is the Malaghan Institute Glioma vaccine trial. In clinical studies such as those being undertaken by Dr Weinkove and Dr Grainger however, blood samples are collected from patients and healthy volunteers to investigate a hypothesis. Dr Weinkove is examining the potential of using Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia patients' own immune systems to fight their cancer, while Dr Grainger is undertaking a clinical study into Gout.
By supporting these Clinical Research Fellows in their PhD studies, the Malaghan Institute is further strengthening the interface between the laboratory and the clinic.
