OICR launches five large-scale Ontario research initiatives to combat some of the most deadly cancers
TORONTO, May 25, 2017 /CNW/ - Reza Moridi, Ontario's Minister of Research, Innovation and Science, today announced the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research is launching five unique, cross-disciplinary, multi-institutional Translational Research Initiatives (TRIs), each focused on a single type of or treatment approach to cancer. With $24 million in funding over two years, the TRIs will bring together world-leading scientists to tackle some of the most difficult to treat cancers and test innovative solutions to some of the most serious challenges in cancer today.
The TRIs build on Ontario's proven strengths in areas such as stem cells, immuno-oncology, pediatric cancers, genomics, clinical trials and informatics. Working together, the province's top scientists and clinicians will accelerate the development of much needed solutions for patients around the globe, with a focus on acute leukemia and brain, ovarian and pancreatic cancers. Each TRI includes clinical trials to maximize patient impact.
"In just over 10 years, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research has become a global centre of excellence that is moving the province to the forefront of discovery and innovation in cancer research. It is home to outstanding Ontario scientists, who are working together to ease the burden of cancer in our province and around the world," said Moridi.
"Collaboration and translational research are key to seeing that the innovative technologies being developed in Ontario reach the clinic and help patients," said Mr. Peter Goodhand, President of OICR. "These TRIs represent a unique and significant opportunity to impact clinical cancer care in the province."
"Coupling the leading-edge science produced by these groups with clinical research and evaluation will help ensure that our work is making a real impact in the clinic. Bringing together researchers and clinicians with diverse specialties from across the province will allow that impact to be felt even sooner," said Dr. Craig Earle, Head of Clinical Translation.
OICR TRIs:
- Acute Leukemia TRI (led by Drs. John Dick and Aaron Schimmer at the University Health Network (UHN))
- Brain Cancer TRI (led by Drs. Peter Dirks and Michael Taylor at SickKids)
- Immuno-oncology TRI (ACTION) (led by Drs. John Bell and Marcus Butler at The Ottawa Hospital and UHN)
- Ovarian Cancer TRI (led by Drs. Amit Oza and Rob Rottapel at UHN)
- Pancreatic Cancer TRI (PanCuRx) (led by Dr. Steven Gallinger at UHN)
The funding announced today will also support Early Prostate Cancer Developmental Projects led by Drs. Paul Boutros and George Rodrigues.
The TRIs were selected by an International Scientific Review Panel, which conducted an extensive evaluation of all submissions based on scientific merit and clinical impact.
"The quality of the proposed TRIs and the scientific and clinical leadership were very highly regarded by all the reviewers," said Dr. Patricia Ganz, TRI Review Co-Chair, and Director of Cancer Prevention and Control Research at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at UCLA. "Ontarians can be proud of the world-class research teams assembled for the TRIs and the potential positive impact of their work on patients worldwide."
About OICR
The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is a collaborative, not-for-profit research institute focused on accelerating the translation of new cancer research discoveries to patients around the world while maximizing the economic benefit of this research for the people of Ontario. Funding for OICR is provided by the Government of Ontario.
SOURCE Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
For further information: Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Christopher Needles, Senior Manager, Strategic Communications, [email protected], 416-673-8505, @OICR_News
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