Launch of Wits–CMJAH collaboration promises to revolutionise childhood cancer research in South Africa

A new era in childhood haematology-oncology research has dawned in South Africa with the launch of the Wits–CMJAH Paeds Haem-Onc Research CoLab, supported by the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA. Situated at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, this collaborative initiative is set to enhance treatment and outcomes for children and teenagers facing cancer and severe blood disorders.

Spearheaded by Professor Jennifer Geel, who heads Paediatric Haematology-Oncology at the hospital and serves as the academic head of division at Wits, the CoLab has been made a reality through an alliance with CHOC and generous contributions from donors such as Adcock Ingram and The Kinvest Trust. This facility will act as a central hub for groundbreaking research, clinical collaboration, and comprehensive data collection aimed at identifying innovative solutions for priority diagnoses.

Among the focus areas are Hodgkin lymphoma, retinoblastoma, Burkitt lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, low-grade glioma, and nephroblastoma. These cancers, identified by the WHO global initiative for childhood cancer as highly curable with existing resources, constitute approximately 60% of the cancers treated by this unit. Additionally, the research will extend to investigate severe aplastic anaemia and stem cell transplantation.

The establishment of this research centre marks a significant turning point for Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, especially in the wake of a devastating fire that disrupted services across the facility. The CoLab stands as a testament to resilience and collaboration, aimed not only at restoring infrastructure, but also at revitalising hope within the paediatric care landscape.

“This centre represents the bridge between research and real lives,” said Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC. “It’s a space where science meets compassion, ensuring that the children, teenagers, and families we serve today will benefit from tomorrow’s discoveries.”

Beyond its architectural presence, the CoLab aims to yield substantial impact through four key focus areas:

• Enhancing clinical research in paediatric haematology-oncology.
• Fostering data-driven innovation through partnerships with universities and international research bodies.
• Encouraging multi-disciplinary collaboration among oncologists, psychosocial teams, and public health experts.
• Building and mentoring the next generation of paediatric haematology-oncology researchers.

Professor Geel articulated a clear vision for the centre, stating, “We aim to consolidate the excellent research performed in this unit and take it to new heights by collaborating with local and international partners, focusing on locally relevant projects that impact directly on the lives of the children, adolescents, and families that we serve.”

The launch event saw a convergence of representatives from the Department of Health, CHOC, the academic and research community, and corporate donors, all aligned toward a singular goal: providing a robust foundation for hope through locally driven research and innovation.

For CHOC, this milestone not only affirms its commitment to holistic patient care, but also marks a transformative step in advancing paediatric haematology-oncology in South Africa and throughout the continent.

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