MegBio – Megakaryocyte and Platelet Biology Study

MegBio is a scientific study of blood cancers affecting platelet precursors (parent cells) called megakaryocytes. The study is being undertaken by our research team led by Dr Maggie Kalev at the University of Auckland Health Campus.

We are working together with doctors and patients at Auckland, Starship, Middlemore and Northshore Hospitals to enrol participants and collect their blood or tissue samples  for this specialised research project.

Megakaryocytes reside in the bone marrow together with other blood precursors and stem cells, where they produce platelets to ensure our blood clots to stop any bleeding. Unfortunately, there are disorders where platelet production becomes defective or precursors multiply in an uncontrolled way, which can lead to blood cancer.

Depending on cancer type, patients may have either too many or not enough platelets. We are working to find out what causes these problems with an ultimate aim to improve treatments and outcomes for people with these disorders.