Blood cancers — including leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma — are among the most common cancers in New Zealand. They affect blood-forming tissues and the lymph system. Funding supports research, patient support, clinical trials, and community services. This guide covers the key funding sources.
LBC NZ is the primary blood cancer organisation:
- Patient support: Information, emotional support, financial assistance
- Research grants: Blood cancer research investment
- Clinical trial access: Support for patients in clinical trials
- Advocacy: Policy advocacy for blood cancer services
- Financial assistance: Practical support for patients in treatment
Cancer Society NZ funds blood cancer:
- Regional support services for blood cancer patients
- Research contribution
- Community education
Health system blood cancer:
- Haematology: Medical haematology diagnosis and treatment
- Bone marrow transplant: Stem cell transplant for eligible patients (NZ and international)
- Pharmac-funded treatment: Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy
- Blood transfusion: Supportive care including transfusions
Pharmac funds blood cancer medications:
- Multiple myeloma: Bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone and newer agents
- Leukaemia: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, chemotherapy
- Lymphoma: RCHOP, newer targeted agents
- Access varies — application to PHARMAC for special authority
HRC funds blood cancer research:
- Clinical trials in leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma
- Translational research
- Basic science
Blood cancer trials:
- ALLG (Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group): Trans-Tasman trials
- University haematology: Academic clinical trials
- International trials: NZ sites in global blood cancer trials
Gaming trusts fund blood cancer community services:
- Four Winds Foundation: Community health and cancer support
- Grassroots Trust: Community health
- Pub Charity: Community health events
- Lion Foundation: Community health
Gaming trust applications for blood cancer:
- Patient accommodation near treatment centres
- Transport to chemotherapy
- Financial hardship assistance during treatment
- Support group events
Transplant funding:
- NZ public funding: BMT at Auckland City Hospital and Christchurch
- International BMT: NZ sends some patients overseas
- LBC NZ: Financial support for transplant patients
Paediatric blood cancer:
- Cure Kids: Research into childhood leukaemia
- Starship Foundation: Paediatric haematology at Starship
- Ronald McDonald House: Family accommodation during child's treatment
Strong applications demonstrate:
- Patients supported: People with leukaemia, lymphoma, or myeloma reached
- Financial hardship: Practical support for patients unable to work during treatment
- Research: Clinical trials access and scientific quality
- Clinical trial: Enrolment in evidence-generating research
- Equity: Access for Māori, Pacific, and rural patients
- Transplant support: Patients through stem cell transplant
- Survivorship: Long-term follow-up and quality of life
Tahua's grants management platform helps blood cancer organisations manage grant applications across LBC NZ, Cancer Society NZ, gaming trusts, and health foundations, tracking patient support, clinical trial access, and research outcomes.