Government of Canada, Kidney Foundation of Canada and Kidney Cancer Canada jointly support national research network

Network to promote research collaboration and position Canada as a global leader in the care and management of kidney cancer patients

TORONTO, Oct. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, Dr. Colin Carrie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, announced the launch of a national network dedicated to improving the care and management of kidney cancer patients. The Kidney Cancer Research Network of Canada has received funding through a partnership between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Kidney Foundation of Canada, and Kidney Cancer Canada.

"Our Government is pleased to support the Kidney Cancer Research Network of Canada," said Dr. Carrie "This network will bring together researchers, clinicians and patients to improve our knowledge on kidney cancer, so that Canadians get the best care possible."

The network, led by Dr. Michael Jewett at the University Health Network in Toronto, will bring together kidney cancer survivors, expert health care providers and researchers from across Canada.  The goal is to improve the care and treatment provided to kidney cancer patients through national collaboration on research strategies, clinical trials, and the use of resources. While the network aims to improve care for kidney cancer patients in Canada, it has the potential to serve as a model for other types of cancers and strengthen the health care system overall by working together in research.

"We enthusiastically support the network," said Paul Shay, National Executive Director of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. "It is a logical continuation of Horizons 2015, a process in which The Kidney Foundation and other key stakeholders identified network building as crucial to bringing laboratory findings forward to the point of positively impacting patient care."

"We are very proud to support the Kidney Cancer Research Network of Canada as it aligns strongly with the mission of Kidney Cancer Canada", says Catherine Madden, Executive Director. "The network brings awareness to kidney cancer as a significant health issue and addresses the need for kidney cancer research across multiple Canadian sites and will ultimately enhance the knowledge of kidney cancer and its treatment."

About CIHR
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

About KFOC
The Kidney Foundation of Canada is the national volunteer organization committed to reducing the burden of kidney disease through funding and stimulating innovative research; providing education and support; promoting access to high quality healthcare; and increasing public awareness and commitment to advancing kidney health and organ donation.

About KCC
Kidney Cancer Canada is the first and only Canadian-based, patient-led registered charity created to improve the quality of life for patients and their families struggling with kidney cancer. Started by patients for patients, we advocate access to new effective treatments, provide support and information to patients, fund much-needed research and increase awareness of kidney cancer as a significant health issue. Founded in 2006, we work diligently, in partnership with numerous cancer-related organizations to increase patient support and improve access to cancer treatments.

Fact Sheet

Kidney Cancer Research Network of Canada

The Government of Canada through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research has partnered with the Kidney Foundation of Canada and Kidney Cancer Canada to provide $600,000 over three years to support the Kidney Cancer Research Network of Canada.

The network is led by Dr. Michael Jewett at the University Health Network in Toronto. It brings together clinicians, scientists and kidney cancer survivors from across Canada to promote research and develop resources to support the care and management of kidney cancer patients.

Specific goals include:

• Establish a Canadian patient information system linked to a collection that contains samples from patients, known as a biobank.
• Support and encourage the development of clinical trials, and especially those with clinical application potential.  This could lead to new drug therapies or treatments in kidney cancer.
• Develop ways to measure the quality of care and outcomes for kidney cancer patients.
• Establish standards for genetic testing and counselling for kidney cancer.
• Develop a survivorship care plan for kidney cancer survivors and their families.
• Perform research on the various types of kidney cancer to help develop personalized medicine strategies.

Kidney Cancer in Canada

• Kidney cancer is the eighth most common cancer in Canada. It is formed in the nephrons - the tiny tubes of the kidney that filter blood and produce urine.
• Each year, 5600 Canadians are diagnosed with kidney cancer and 1700 die from the disease (Source: Canadian Cancer Statistics 2012).

For more information please visit:

Kidney Cancer Research Network of Canada:
http://www.kidneycancercanada.ca/main.php?p=467&lan=1

Partners:
CIHR - www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Kidney Foundation of Canada - www.kidney.ca
Kidney Cancer Canada - www.kidneycancercanada.ca

SOURCE: Canadian Institutes of Health Research

David Coulombe, CIHR Media Relations, 613-941-4563
Wim Wolfs, National Director of Research, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, 514-531-2212
Catherine Madden, Executive Director, Kidney Cancer Canada, 1-866-598-7166

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