Two Curtin researchers have received funding from the Cook Government and the Channel 7 Telethon Trust through the WA Child Research Fund 2024–25 to advance projects improving health outcomes for Western Australian children.

Associate Professor Laurence Cheung, from the Curtin Medical School and The Kids Research Institute Australia (The Kids), has been awarded $591,277 to develop improved, less harmful treatments for children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) – the most common childhood cancer. This research aims to improve life expectancy and quality of life for children with high-risk ALL by testing a new treatment that enhances immunotherapy in leukaemia models.

Dr Katherine Landwehr, from the School of Population Health and the Wal-yan Respiratory Centre (through The Kids), received $599,988 to investigate whether OM85 treatment can safely and effectively be used during bone marrow transplant treatment in children to provide recipients with greater protection against infections.

Congratulations to Associate Professor Cheung and Dr Landwehr on this vital research helping improve outcomes for children facing serious illness. Read more in The Kids’ media release.