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Monday,
May 29, 2006
Today, the Northern Cancer Research Foundation (NCRF) granted
$86,228 for the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Instrument, a state-of-the-art piece of laboratory equipment
for molecular cancer research to identify better treatment
methods for cancer patients.
The NCRF focuses its grant funding on three main pillars
of cancer care: research, patient care and education &
awareness. Thanks to strong community support such as that
from the D. Elaine Andison Foundation Inc., the NCRF’s
grants enables the cancer program to enhance service through
new treatment and diagnostic equipment, undertake new research,
and partner in creating social marketing campaigns to increase
awareness around diseases like colorectal and prostate cancer.
“For more than a decade the Northern Cancer Research
Foundation has consistently provided the financial support
needed for the cancer research program in Thunder Bay. Since
its modest beginning, the cancer research program has grown
significantly, continues to flourish and is on the verge of
taking the next major steps in its evolution,” said
Glenn Craig, President & CEO of the NCRF. “The NCRF
continues its long-term commitment to supporting cancer research
in Northwestern Ontario today by providing the next generation
of scientific equipment needed by our cancer researchers.”
The NCRF worked with the D. Elaine Andison Foundation, Inc.
to provide the funding for the new equipment; it provided
$20,000 towards the $86,228 price tag. “The D. Elaine
Andison Foundation provides funding for those projects that
will increase capacity and aid in the development of sustainable
cancer initiatives in Northwestern Ontario,” stated
Ms. Maryel Andison, Chair. “The Real-Time PCR Machine
is valuable ‘bridge’ equipment, enabling the cancer
research lab at the cancer centre to move that much closer
to the dream of molecular medicine research and application
to patient care in the region.”
PCR is a scientific method used to amplify and detect DNA
and genes, and this particular model has the advantage of
a ‘real-time’ framework, which allows the investigator
to actually view the increase in the amount of DNA as it is
amplified. This will be invaluable in detecting those genes
that are resistant to chemotherapy, for example, and bring
the investigators closer to the mystery behind why some people
are resistant to certain agents while others react well. Identification
of these resistance genes will eventually contribute to the
design of individualized chemotherapy according to a patient’s
genetic makeup.
This machine allows for new techniques, like the use of fluorescent
dye-labelled probes that will increase the sensitivity of
the system, as well as providing throughput for nearly one
hundred samples at once. It also lends a completely different
and in-depth facet of planned research in the cancer program;
two of the new projects involve research into pre- and developed
cervical cancer, and why some women with the Human Papilloma
Virus (HPV) develop cancer and why some women do not. The
other research focuses on viral co-infection and the development
and progression of cervical cancer; the PCR machine would
determine the expression levels of these multiple viruses,
and the effect on the progression of the cancer. “This
machine is a tremendous help in the identification of DNA
and the investigation into gene resistances that will provide
us with information and data that has eluded us to this point,”
said Dr. Ingeborg Zehbe, Career Scientist. “It will
provide us with answers to questions around the processes
of the body that either counteract or speed up the development
of cancer; so much of the current research is focusing on
these questions, and when we are able to collect these data
into an applicable body of knowledge, we will have a better
idea of those processes contributing to cancer.”
The revolution in cancer research in Northwestern Ontario
continues to build upon itself. In the past few years alone,
provincial, national, and global partnerships have been established,
and projects and initiatives proposed to further the research,
academic, and health sciences agenda in Northwestern Ontario.
“Our research program continues to explore unique opportunities
for teaching, research, and education; especially in light
of the way our system is changing the way we treat people,
and the need for more intensive and personalized care,”
said Michael Power, Vice President of Regional Cancer and
Diagnostics. “Over the last five years, our research
scientists have secured nearly five million dollars in local
and national grant funding, establishing a distinct foundation
for cancer research growth and development.”
The NCRF & Regional Cancer Care are very excited about
the direction in which cancer research continues to move.
With both the new molecular medicine and cancer and cardiac
research centres closer to realization than they’ve
ever been to date, research is poised to drive Northwestern
Ontario in an entirely new direction. As always, and as further
exemplified by today’s announcement, all funds raised
by the NCRF are 100% dedicated to supporting excellence in
cancer care and research in Northwestern Ontario.
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