QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 1 albertacancer.ca Who are we? the Alberta Cancer Foundation. are the Alberta Cancer We

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 2 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 3 albertacancer.ca Nearly one in two Albertans is expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their Nearly one in two Albertans is lifetimes expected to die of cancer Nearly one in four Albertans is treated for cancer in the province and more 45,000 Albertans are already being each year. than 15,000 new patients are added More than 6,000 Alberta families annually suffer the loss of a loved one to cancer More than 6,000 Alberta families > > > But we are progressing. Since the Alberta Cancer Foundation was established in 10.6 per cent. This means 1984, the cancer mortality rate in our province has dropped have killed them had 630 Albertans each year are now surviving cancers that would they been diagnosed 25 years ago. Alberta Cancer This document introduces you to a few of the researchers the future. Foundation is investing in to keep momentum towards our cancer-free finding answers These top minds are charged with asking the right questions, treat cancer in and developing the innovations needed to better prevent and Alberta and around the world. The Alberta Cancer Foundation believes a cancer-free future is possible—in our future is possible—in believes a cancer-free The Alberta Cancer Foundation top Cancer Foundation is one of Alberta’s make it possible, the Alberta lifetimes. To a critical mass of talent to ensure the province investors in cancer research, building cancer early detection and that treatment in Alberta’s leads in cancer prevention and research. centres is supported by world-class The stakes are high. > The Alberta Cancer Foundation increases the increases Foundation Cancer The Alberta 15,600 Albertans than for more of survival chance risk year and lowers the with cancer each diagnosed for by raising funds will develop cancer that others at the Cross Cancer prevention and care research, Alberta’s Cancer Centre and Baker Tom Institute, centres. 15 other cancer How can we reduce cancer incidence? How can we reduce

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 4 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 5 albertacancer.ca >> Tomorrow Project participant Cheryl Yaremchuk Tomorrow

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 6 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 7 albertacancer.ca

The Tomorrow Project began in 1999. By 2007, participant recruitment had increased to almost to almost had increased recruitment By 2007, participant in 1999. Project began Tomorrow The about questionnaires self-administered completed participants enrolment, Upon 30,000 adults. Project 2008, the Tomorrow In level. activity physical diet, and lifestyle, health and their general Cancer Against Partnership the Canadian under study cohort a national became the for basis 300,000 participants. which will enroll (CPAC), At various points during the study, participants will be asked to provide biological samples, such as as such samples, biological will provide to be asked participants the study, during points various At samples the biological their health. Analyzing about information updated as well as urine, blood or about information provide and factors genetic into insight greater with researchers will provide questionnaires. with obtained be not easily may specific that other exposures Researchers involved in the Tomorrow Project plan to study the participants’ “environment,” which “environment,” the participants’ study to plan Project in the Tomorrow involved Researchers to exposure alcohol, and tobacco use of exposure, sun level, activity their diet, physical includes to proximity and residence, of places performed, types work soil, of and water, in the air, chemicals might that in their genes alterations have people some that also suggests Evidence sites. industrial exposures. of certain environmental effects the cancer-causing to risk at less or them more make With funding from the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the Tomorrow Project is a long-term research research a long-term is Project the Tomorrow the Alberta from funding Foundation, Cancer With Project Tomorrow of goal the The cancer. between and the lifestyle connection studying program people some been never learn why to diagnosed cancer 50,000 Albertans with who have study to is women and men are study in the The participants cancer. develop some and healthy remain They also old. 85 years they until are participate willing to 69 who are 35 and of between the ages illness during episodes of any and their health, lifestyle, about information be give willing to must backgrounds. a variety of Alberta from of will all and be areas from period. Participants the study lifestyle and cancer? lifestyle What is the connection between the connection What is

Dr. Paula Robson Paula > Dr. Large cohort studies studies cohort Large 80 year old woman staying active in the pool

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 8 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 9 albertacancer.ca

Dr. Friedenreich is also involved in several research studies of exercise and its benefits for patients patients for benefits its and exercise of studies in several research also is involved Friedenreich Dr. patients’ cancer improves exercise how on focusing are studies These cancer. have who already survival and treatment. after life, of quality rehabilitation, their diagnosis, with cope to ability “We’ve known for a long time that physical activity is important in reducing several chronic several chronic in reducing important is activity physical time that a long for known “We’ve mental and hypertension, disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiovascular including conditions, are “There Friedenreich. Dr. says list,” being that added to are cancers of a number illness. Now that if they know but risk, cancer their own reduce to make can people that very changes few for message empowering and is a positive that a difference, make can active being physically people.” many An important component of Dr. Friedenreich’s research program is to develop new methods for new methods for develop to is program research Friedenreich’s Dr. of component important An the first questionnaires: two created have team research her and She activity. physical measuring in the activity past measure to the second and activity physical lifetime designed measure was to has beenused to collect from data Activity Questionnaire” Physical Total “Lifetime The year. case-control population-based, in her participated who have women and 6,000 men than more The cancers. endometrial and prostate, breast, the of risk and activity physical lifetime of studies been has used in Questionnaire,” Activity Physical Total Year the “Past questionnaire, second in Alberta, risk cancer in several studies of other and study a long-term Project, the Tomorrow worldwide. conducted that a doubt without showed the questionnaire with gathered data study, cancer the breast For to when compared cancer breast of risk lower a 30 per cent have women post-menopausal active menopause, who became after active women that showed the results addition, In women. inactive 40 per cent. by risk cancer their breast reduced menopause, before inactive even if they were In addition to her involvement as co–principal investigator for the Alberta Physical Activity the Alberta Activity for Physical investigator co–principal as involvement her to addition In physical of studies conducting is Friedenreich Dr. Trial, (ALPHA) Prevention Cancer Breast and breast and prostate with and cancer endometrial the of risk with association its and activity survival.cancer activity risk? cancer and What is the connection between physical between connection physical the is What

Dr. Christine Friedenreich Christine > Dr. Physical activity research activity research Physical Dr. Kerry Courneya, University of Alberta Dr. Christine Friedenreich, Alberta Health Services, University of Calgary Inset, Dr.

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 10 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 11 albertacancer.ca

The ALPHA Trial is one of the first of its kind in the world, and the results that Ms. Kutay and Kutay Ms. that results andthe world, its inthe kind of of first the one Trialis ALPHA The they decrease their own can how about information valuable will all women give await others cancer. breast for risk “I’ve really enjoyed the experience,” says Ms. Kutay. “I am very interested in hearing the results the results in hearing very am interested “I Ms. Kutay. says the experience,” enjoyed really “I’ve the study.” of Ms. Kutay says her experience with the ALPHA Trial has motivated her to be more physically physically be to more her motivated has Trial experience her the ALPHA with says Ms. Kutay per week days three began exercising she Trial, Because the ALPHA of life. daily in her active own. her on week per days two and facility a fitness at “You never know,” says Ms. Kutay. “It happened to someone in my family, so it could happen to to happen could so it family, in my someone to happened “It Ms. Kutay. says know,” never “You research, cancer breast with way in some help to I wanted cancer. breast develop could me—I research.” withthat helping of way my was This a becure. they finding closer to so would that When 67-year-old Jolana Kutay read an article in the newspaper about the ALPHA Trial, she she Trial, the ALPHA about article in the newspaper an read Kutay Jolana 67-year-old When this her as saw Ms. Kutay and cancer, niece breast had Her be it. to a part of knew wanted she research. cancer a part in breast play to opportunity The principal investigators for the ALPHA Trial are Dr. Christine Friedenreich and Dr. Kerry Dr. and Friedenreich Christine Dr. Trialare ALPHA the for principal investigators The breast have not 74 do and who of 50 ages between the women includes Courneya.study The the time they the study. joined at exercise did not and cancer The goal of the ALPHA Trial is to study how one year of aerobic exercise—as compared to a compared exercise—as of aerobic year one how Trialstudy to is of goal ALPHA the The in linkthe involved are believe researchers that mechanisms biologic lifestyle—affects non-active cancer. breast developing of risk her and level activity physical between a woman’s Breast cancer affects thousands of women in Canada every year. Research has shown that there is there that shown has Research in everyCanada women year. of affects thousands cancer Breast is association This cancer. breast a decreased of risk and activity a link between physical increased yet do not researchers But in life. those who started late activity for as well as women older true for Albertathe is and Physical this why risk, cancer breast influences activity physical how understand started. was Trial ALPHA) (or Prevention Cancer Breast and Activity postmenopausal women? postmenopausal decrease breast cancer risk in in breastdecrease risk cancer Can increased physical activity physical increased Can

Dr. Kerry Courneya > Dr. Friedenreich Christine > Dr. The ALPHA Trial ALPHA The Dr. Nigel Brockton, Alberta Health Services, University of Calgary Nigel Brockton, Alberta Dr.

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 12 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 13 albertacancer.ca

In the future, Dr. Brockton would also like to study the role of inflammation in the spread spread in the inflammation of the role also study to like would Brockton Dr. the future, In the liver. to cancer colorectal of In keeping with his research about inflammation, Dr. Brockton is also studying the anti- the is alsostudying Brockton Dr. inflammation, about research his with keeping In D vitamin levels higher that evidence increasing is There D. of vitamin role inflammatory However, cancers. prostate and colorectal, breast, of incidence a reduced with associated are progression. cancer been of this in terms fully not link has studied “We are recruiting about 200 women to participate in each of the next three years,” says says years,” three the next in each of participate to 200 women about recruiting are “We aspects—the the primary tissue, this disease many look at from to hope “We Brockton. Dr. the to spreads cancer breast why in the blood—to understand circulating is what tumour, in others.” not but patients in some bone Dr. Brockton has received funding to study breast cancer metastasis to the bone. According According the bone. to metastasis cancer breast study to funding received has Brockton Dr. their from cells have already cancer breast with women of 40 per to cent up Brockton, Dr. to actually those patients of a small number only but marrow, in their bone tumours breast to believes be this could related Brockton Dr. (metastases) in the bone. tumours develop encourage that factors inflammatory and D status vitamin including factors, of number any progress. to the cancer cause and progression of cancer? of progression and cause whomolecular specializesof scientist in the field a research is Brockton Nigel Dr. to everychronic component inflammatory an is believes there He epidemiology. cancer. disease, including Does inflammation play a part in the partthe a in play Does inflammation

> Dr. Nigel Brockton > Dr. Molecular epidemiology epidemiology Molecular Dr. S. Elizabeth McGregor, Alberta Health Services Inset, Dr. Huiming Yang, Alberta Health Services Huiming Yang, Alberta Health Services Inset, Dr. S. Elizabeth McGregor, Dr.

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 14 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 15 albertacancer.ca

Dr. Yang and Dr. McGregor are both focused on a common goal: to reduce the incidence of and and of the incidence reduce goal: to both focusedcommon a on are McGregor Dr. and Yang Dr. screening organized and education patient that They know cancer. colorectal from rate death of allhealth in Albertans.the difference a big make can cancer colorectal for programs Dr. S. Elizabeth McGregor’s research focuses on early detection and screening as a means of of a means as screening and detection focuses early on research S. Elizabeth McGregor’s Dr. increase education patient and recommendations doctor that suggests Evidence control. cancer the disease. developing of risk average at whoare adults among rates screening cancer colorectal be can used improve to resources educational how studying are team her and McGregor Dr. Her screening. cancer to comes practices when it and decision-making, attitudes, knowledge, colorectal for screening population-based the identifying barriers focuses to on work current recommendations. screening to adherence increase would that strategies developing on and cancer “Regular screening for colorectal cancer has been shown to reduce deaths,” says Dr. Huiming Huiming Dr. says deaths,” reduce to been has shown cancer colorectal for screening “Regular or symptoms no 74 who show 50 to aged people focuses healthy on program screening “Our Yang. is it if 90 per cent is about cancer colorectal for survivalrate five-year The the condition. of signs advanced detected is in its if the cancer less or 10 per decreases to cent rate that but detected early, stages.” Alberta is in the process of implementing one of the first provincial screening programs for for programs screening provincial the first of one implementing Alberta of in the process is in Canada. cancer colorectal Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death and the third most commonly commonly most the third and death cancer of cause leading the second is Colorectal cancer prevented could be the suffering of much and these deaths of diagnosed in Alberta. cancer Many provincial A 2004 screening. cancer colorectal routine undergo 50 would than if everyone older their underestimated 74 50 to aged adults of 63 per cent that survey 1,476 Albertans found of discussed had 20 per colorectal cent only that and cancer colorectal developing of risk lifetime survey a similar to yet be from results Preliminary years. five their in the doctor past with cancer in this area. progress some show released screened for colorectal cancer? screened for colorectal Why aren’t more Albertans being more Albertans being Why aren’t Dr. Huiming Yang Huiming > Dr. Elizabeth McGregor S. > Dr. rates screening Finding ways to boost boost to ways Finding How can we reduce cancer deaths? How can we reduce

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 16 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 17 albertacancer.ca >> Dr. Bassam Abdulkarim, Alberta Health Services, University of Alberta Bassam Abdulkarim, Dr.

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 18 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 19 albertacancer.ca

“What we learn here,” says Dr. Abdulkarim, “could be used in the future to tailor treatment on on treatment tailor to be used in the future “could Abdulkarim, Dr. says learn here,” we “What prone most who are so those patients toxicities, radiation for biomarkers predictive the of basis options.” other treatment be doses offered or lower receive could toxicity radiation to In parallel with this clinical trial, Dr. Abdulkarim’s team is focusing on the development of of the development on focusing is team Abdulkarim’s this parallel with clinical trial,In Dr. of cells which on the basis skin fibrosis radiation-induced predict can that new biomarkers in the reduction see to a significant hoping they are particular, in the blood. In circulating are breasttissue becomes in which of radiation side effect common skin fibrosis—a of incidence whether in determining interested are They touch. to the tenderer and stretchy, less fibrous, more also is study a second leading Abdulkarim the heart. Dr. to damage radiation reduces tomotherapy cancer. brain of a form glioblastoma, for a treatment as tomotherapy investigate to The Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton is home to one of only three prototype tomotherapy tomotherapy prototype only three of one to home is in Edmonton Institute Cancer Cross The of the effectiveness test to project a three-year co-leader is of Abdulkarim in Canada. Dr. units (a partial mastectomy). a lumpectomy had who have patients cancer in breast tomotherapy Radiation therapy is a mainstay of treatment for cancers of all kinds, but it can cause excessive excessive cause can it all but kinds, of cancers for treatment of a mainstay is therapy Radiation the reach to beam travels the radiation the that track along located tissues healthy to damage computed as uses principles the same Tomotherapy itself. the tumour around and tumour the diseased to while minimizing area, precisely therapy radiation deliver (CT) to tomography used to create first is (MR) imaging resonance magnetic CT or tissue. dose healthy to the radiation exactlythe where shows map This it. the body around and structures the tumour of a 3-D map the patient, around travels source the radiation During tomotherapy, be delivered. should radiation the at only directed which are all of in small bursts, radiation delivers it as 360 degrees, moving in be metastases can treated multiple and be can treated, tumour of sizes and All shapes tumour. session. a single Dr. Bassam Abdulkarim and his team of researchers are studying a new technology known as as a new technology known studying are researchers of team his and Abdulkarim Bassam Dr. option treatment effective more and a safer therapy radiation make which may tomotherapy, patients. cancer of generation the next for safer and less toxic to patients? to less toxic and safer therapy radiation make we can How

Dr. Bassam Abdulkarim Bassam > Dr. Tomotherapy Tomotherapy Dr. Gino Fallone, Alberta Health Services, University of Alberta Gino Fallone, Alberta Dr.

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 20 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 21 albertacancer.ca

Another benefit of advanced real-time adaptive radiotherapy is that patients with certain with types patients is that radiotherapy real-time adaptive advanced of benefit Another could cancers) pancreatic and stomach, (liver, now radiation by treatable not are that tumours of option. a treatment as therapy add radiation Many tumours, such as those in the lung or prostate, actually move during the treatment session, session, the treatment during actually move prostate, or those as in the lung such tumours, Many problem, this overcome To correct of radiation. dose the deliver appropriately to difficult it making therapy– of a radiation prototype a to develop world in the the first are team his and Fallone Dr. this technique, With radiotherapy. they adaptive real-time call that advanced system MRI hybrid to guide and to in real-time, session, therapy the radiation during usedMRI is the track tumour to will radiotherapy adaptive real-time advanced Ultimately, dose the tumour. to the radiation adjust the tumour. of the properties to according adjusted is treatment that mean The IGAR program involves using a combination of CT scanning, MRI, and PET imaging to imaging PET and MRI, of CT scanning, a combination using involves program IGAR The then is therapy Radiation possible. as accurately as cancer a patient’s of the extent determine “sculpted” a to deliver unit tomotherapy helical the using patient, designed specificallythat for but to radiation, exposure maximum the receives tumour the that means This radiation. dose of very located tissue the tumour. close to healthy spared—even is tissue the healthy During radiotherapy, a therapeutic dose of radiation must be delivered to the tumour, while the tumour, to be delivered must radiation dose of a therapeutic During radiotherapy, tumour breathing, accommodate must Planning possible. as much as tissues normal sparing must Doctors session. to session from position in the patient’s small variations and shrinkage, have not may therapy radiation MRI performed before or the CT scanning that also consider so an and tumours, aggressive especially for detect thetumour, to all enough of been sensitive field. in the radiation be included must the tumour around extra margin Normally, patients undergo diagnostic imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), imaging resonance magnetic as such imaging, diagnostic undergo patients Normally, imaging, (PET) tomography emission positron or scanning, CAT) (CT or tomographic computed to direct determine where doctors help tests These imaging therapy. radiation undergoing before treatment ifthe to determine treatment after repeated usually are tests imaging The the radiation. working. is directed only at a tumour? directed only at adaptive image-guided of the development studying are team his and Fallone Gino Dr. imaging. in diagnostic advances other and (IGAR) radiotherapy How can radiation therapy be radiation therapy How can Dr. Gino Fallone Gino > Dr. radiotherapy (IGAR) (IGAR) radiotherapy Image-guided adaptive adaptive Image-guided Dr. Russell Greiner, University of Alberta Russell Greiner, Dr.

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 22 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 23 albertacancer.ca

Dr. Greiner’s research group is also involved in the PolyomX project, which is a study to to a study which is project, in the PolyomX also is involved group research Greiner’s Dr. a 1975, AlbertaSince maintained has cancer. for treatment patient-specific determine from medical information and samples registry tissue cancer of province-wide unique, Cross what with combined these samples of analysis Computer Alberta patients. cancer will cancer of the molecular nature about know already researchers Institute Cancer as outcomes and risk cancer about conclusions draw to team his and Greiner Dr. allow treatment. occur can cancer because of that the complications as well One of the current challenges in radiation therapy of brain cancers is that the best that is cancers brain of therapy in radiation challenges the current of One (MRI), only imaging resonance magnetic cancer, of the extent visualizing of means cell This it. beyond spread have the that cells not and the tumour detects the of bulk them to particularly makes difficult and cancers occurs usually brain with spreading which the tumour, around a wide margin to delivered usually is therapy Radiation treat. Tumour Brain The cells. verytumour could and the well miss tissue willhealthy affect Institute, Cancer the Cross at researchers among a collaboration (BTAP), Project Analysis learning machine using is Alberta Science and Ingenuity, Computing of the Department the tumour at looking By grow. may a tumour how predicting methods of develop to the direct to where about precise be can more doctors grow, may it how knowing and therapy. radiation Dr. Russell Greiner’s research interest is in computer algorithms that learn from learn from that algorithms in computer is interest research Greiner’s Russell Dr. the have projects current Several group’s his of performance. experience improve to treatment. cancer affect to potential how a tumour will grow? will a tumour how Can computing science predict computing Can Dr. Russell Greiner Russell > Dr. machine learning learning machine Modeling tumours through through tumours Modeling When DNA was first discovered, scientists thought the information it encoded was entirely encodedit entirely was information the thought scientists discovered, first was DNA When Another so. this not is that know they now But nucleotides. of sequence its within contained the through DNA by transmitted is information, called epigenetic information, of form genetic accompany changes being encoded Epigenetic in the sequence. without generations cell the (produce expressed are genes how affect and cancer of in the development changes they encode). components and cells living within DNA of the “packaging” studies group research Hendzel’s Michael Dr. study to able are researchers his and He therapy. radiation to respond cells how to that relates verythat digital with cameras microscopes sensitive high-magnification using cells living single tagged with are study of to cells the they The parts cells. wish of inside the DNA of images capture more the that suggest results Their microscope. up under the shows molecule that a fluorescent therapy. the cell be seems radiation to to sensitive the more the DNA, packaged tightly reversible a methylation, is changes epigenetic transmitting for mechanism studied The best pattern methylation in the changes In cancer, genes. of region to control the modification chemical and be the cell cycle) to on turned drive the that enzymes produce that (genes oncogenes cause DNA whose tumour a However, be to off. turned genes) repair (the DNA genes suppressor tumour damage after DNA its repair to be unable also may expressed being normally not are genes repair aspect of Another therapy. radiation to responsive more it making possibly radiation, by caused enzymes of observe to cell imaging the choreography live using involves work group’s Hendzel’s Dr. the at the break marking for responsible particularly the one damage, DNA of in repair involved process. repair the DNA beginning of an are they unaffected, themselves the genes the of sequence leave changes Because epigenetic the cancer part of that also reverse should the change reversing therapy: for target attractive being used are been already and developed have changes epigenetic reverse Drugs that process. testing and in the development involved currently is group Hendzel’s Dr. cancers. some treat to these drugs. of severalof more Is the “packaging” of DNA within cells cells within DNA of “packaging” Is the to respond cells those how to related therapy? radiation Dr. Mike Hendzel > Dr. imaging Cellular

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 24 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 25 albertacancer.ca Dr. Mike Hendzel, Alberta Health Services, University of Alberta Mike Hendzel, Alberta Dr. Dr. Steve Robbins, Alberta Health Services, University of Calgary Steve Robbins, Alberta Dr.

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 26 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 27 albertacancer.ca

Dr. Robbins’ research team is also studying the organization of the parts of signaling pathways pathways signaling the parts of of the organization also is studying team research Robbins’ Dr. signaling. Their of the in regulation play those pathways roles what determine to cells within in found are proteins signaling other kinases and protein Src that established has research cells. mature many of membranes the plasma on found pits protein-coated which are caveolae, Robbins Dr. and cell signaling, including processes, cells multiple in involved are These caveolae trying why. are determine to team his and Dr. Steve Robbins and his research group are studying how growth signals from around a cell are a cell are around signals from growth how studying are group research his and Robbins Steve Dr. involved the proteins of Many pathway. signaling the cell via a multi-step of the nucleus to relayed genes are proto-oncogenes These “proto-oncogenes.” by produced are in the pathway signaling is type proto-oncogene One of cancer. of lead the development to help can when mutated, that, their alter modify chemically to enzyme and enzymes encodes an other that a gene called Src, outside signals from of independent becomes activity its so that mutated is Src When behaviour. the cell through driving for responsible becomes it in the pathway, upstream from the cell or Src study to is research Robbins’ focusof Dr. main The cell divisions. uncontrolled repeated, how determine to in the pathway signaling downstream and upstream neighbours its and blood. in of cells the maturation and division theythe influence Cancer is a disease of disordered, uncontrolled growth, in which cells divide out of control and and control of out divide in which cells growth, uncontrolled a disease is disordered, Cancer of or they began, tumour the near where tissue invade cells can cancer The tissues. other invade farther away. located tissue to (metastasize) spread can and uncontrolled growth? and uncontrolled within cells affect their division affect their within cells How do the signaling pathways the signaling How do

Dr. Steve Robbins Steve > Dr. proteomics and Genomics Dr. Gregory Cairncross, University of Calgary Dr. University of Calgary Peter Forsyth, Alberta Health Services, Inset, patient Michael Permak with Dr.

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 28 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 29 albertacancer.ca

In 2004 Mr. Permak had a seizure and an MRI showed that the tumour had become more more become had the tumour that MRI showed an and a seizure had Permak 2004 Mr. In to order being left in two-thirds removed, surgically was the tumour of One-third aggressive. 3 oligodendroglioma. stage had he that showed results skills. Biopsy motor speech his and spare to returned 2005, and in June therapy radiation and chemotherapy his completed Permak Mr. no was in 1993, there diagnosis my I received “When do well. to continues He in September. work this of None tumour. brain my treat to a way found had 2004, these researchers by But treatment. the time I to diagnosis my the time of from Eleven years research. without happened have could should you is this that from away I take message The timeframe. short a really is began treatment all of typesto treat ways finding are the world around and here Researchers hope. up give never hope.” up give never should You cancer. For Michael Permak, a 44-year-old oligodendroglioma patient, research about this type of cancer this type cancer of about research patient, oligodendroglioma a 44-year-old Permak, Michael For diagnosed was Permak Mr. been timelier. have not could Forsyth Peter Dr. and Cairncross Dr. by glioma. a low-grade had he that (MRI) showed imaging 1993, when resonance magnetic in March surveillance recommended, was tumour careful of a program slowly, grow to likely Because was it would he told He was was grim. prognosis The be needed would eventually. treatment although to was treatment of best his course advised him that Forsyth Dr. this cancer. certainly die of most a couple only had if I that felt I down. I shut basically hearing that, “After alone. the tumour leave says children,” young my two spend with and time work I needed take time off to live, to years of I moment. a pivotal then I had this. all And of by devastated obviously was wife “My Permak. Mr. I decided live. to act going I was like die or to needed act going I was I either to like realized that our third had I and my wife when that after years three to two was It live. to act going I was to like child.” Dr. Gregory Cairncross is an international expert on oligodendroglioma, a brain tumour once once tumour a brain expert oligodendroglioma, on international an is Cairncross Gregory Dr. Dr. research, their Through adults. in young occurs primarily that untreatable considered 19 were 1 and chromosomes of if certain portions that discovered team his and Cairncross of a study In treatment. to response a better had patients then oligodendroglioma abnormal, aggressive an oligodendroglioma, anaplastic with patients in therapy radiation plus chemotherapy interval a longer had therapy radiation plus who chemotherapy had patients the tumour, of form Adding therapy. radiation those to who only underwent the disease compared recurred before the disease and recurred time before the of increased length their treatment to chemotherapy their lives. extended brain tumours? brain How do we stop aggressive aggressive stop we do How

Dr. Peter Forsyth Peter Dr. > Cairncross Gregory > Dr. Neuro-oncology Neuro-oncology Dr. John Mackey, Alberta Health Services, University of Alberta Alberta John Mackey, Dr.

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 30 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 31 albertacancer.ca

Dr. Mackey is also executive director of the Cancer International Research Group. This Edmonton- This Edmonton- Group. Research International the Cancer of director also is executive Mackey Dr. multiple oversee and plan 100 who people nearly employs company non-profit Paris-based and are Trials worldwide. centres 2,000 cancer than in more clinical trials conducted international gastric, and breast, for therapies new molecular-targeted evaluate to being conducted currently cancers. ovarian What sets Dr. Mackey’s research apart in this field is his ability to access the PolyomX and Albertaand PolyomX to access the ability is his in this field apart research Mackey’s sets Dr. What than more from clinical data blood, and tissue, tumour Banks, which contain Tumour Research of pairs from specifically has chosensamples tissue Mackey Dr. cancer. breast with 3,500 women of disease one her of and a recurrence had has whom of one otherwise women, clinically identical show that programs computer into data the biological then enters disease He free. remains whom interactions, protein and gene pathways, in identifying help may that combinations and patterns drug targets. potential and To do that, Dr. Mackey and his team are comparing the molecular profile of women and and their women of the molecular profile comparing are team his and Mackey Dr. do that, To after cancer-free remain who women of profiles to the treatment after recurred have that cancers some why of understanding an gaining are they profiling, expression gene Through treatment. over time, change cancers how out finding and disease treatment free of after remain women treatment. to themmaking resistant “There are a lot of new drugs out there targeting new pathways, but we just don’t know what to what know don’t just we but new pathways, targeting newthere of out drugs a lot are “There to want “We Program. Alberta Cancer the Northern Breast of chair Mackey, Dr. says for,” shoot individualized to create pathways resistance specifickey drugs the that will inhibit demonstrate these women.” for treatment He and his team have identified molecular pathways that circumvent the ability of standard cancer cancer standard of ability the circumvent that molecular pathways identified have team his and He predict be to possible should it this new understanding, With cells. cancer drugs kill to breast resistance, of mechanism the By understanding therapy. benefit from to likely are which patients it. counteract methods to develop be to possible may it after treatment? patients. cancer in breast resistance treatment studying is group research R. Mackey’s John Dr. having or, to treatment, respond not do patients in some cancers to determine why They want women many why know to they want Furthermore, time. over responding stop responded, initially will cancer experience a recurrence. breast early-stage with breast cancer experience a recurrence a recurrence breast experience cancer Why do many women with early-stage early-stage with women many do Why

Dr. John Mackey John > Dr. Profiling gene expression gene Profiling

Dr. Michael Sawyer’s main focus of research is determining why cancer patients vary in their patients cancer why determining is research focus of main Sawyer’s Michael Dr. studies group Sawyer’s Cass, Dr. Carol Dr. with collaboration drugs. In anti-cancer to response and drugs called antimetabolite anti-cancer metabolize cells healthy and cells cancer how DNA to synthesize ability a cell’s with drugs. analogue These drugs interfere directly nucleotide enhance to a way is these drugs if there determine to studying is Sawyer Dr. cell division. during normalcells. on their ill effects reducing cells whileon cancer their effect have genetic:usually to is drugs people responses different have patients reason why main The metabolic enzymes, so efficiency the with their which of common bodies varieties different slightly full doses tolerate to able are people some a result, As the drugs vary. can excrete and use, absorb, who patients For a drug dose experiencethe whiletolerate. of limit ill-effectsthey others can that treatment. effective less experience dosemeans ill-effects, a lower the mimic how nerve and that cells liver, kidney, of tubes in test models developed has Sawyer Dr. have team his and Sawyer the kidney Dr. model, In in patients. nerves and behave kidneys, liver, removed are drugs (called antimetabolites) used chemotherapy the commonly of many that found the kidney cells words, other In the blood stream. placed into back kidney and cells urine by from of reabsorption trying how are understand colleagues to and Sawyer these drugs.reabsorb Dr. will lead to this research that hoped is It these the kidney lead kidney drugs can to cells damage. by kidney damage. chemotherapy-induced these dosing drugsnew prevent methods of to chemotherapy-induced of both forms of the causes also studying are team his and Sawyer Dr. causes that form the peripheral and “chemobrain” as known form the central nerve damage: has team Sawyer’s Dr. feet. and in their hands tingling and experience to numbness patients chemotherapy trying how are determine to and toxicity of both forms of models developed damage. this debilitating causes nutritional of the effects study Baracos to Vickie Dr. with also is collaborating Sawyer Dr. when that found have They chemotherapy. of toxicity and the effectiveness on supplements of the side effects against protects doses, it in large administered is acid glutamine the amino also have Baracos Dr. and He of the treatment. the effectiveness alter does not but chemotherapy in mass men lean between body differences that found and of lean mass body the effects studied drug respectchemotherapy with tothe in side effects differences be to connected may women and 5-fluoruracil. Why do patients respond differently differently respond patients do Why anti-cancer drugs? to Dr. Mike Sawyer Mike > Dr. Metabolomics and and Metabolomics pharmacogenomics

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 32 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 33 albertacancer.ca Dr. Mike Sawyer, Alberta Health Services, University of Alberta Mike Sawyer, Dr. Dr. Tony Magliocco, Alberta Health Services Magliocco, Alberta Tony Dr.

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 34 albertacancer.ca

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 35 albertacancer.ca

Dr. Magliocco has recently been awarded a grant to study why some women with breast cancer cancer breast with women some why study to a grant been awarded recently has Magliocco Dr. will Magliocco study Dr. ChristineFriedenreich, Dr. with collaboration In metastasis. bone develop see be examine to can to developed if new cancer tests newly with diagnosed breast 600 women the bone. to spread may cancer whose breast in advance the blood predict or to the cancer either metastatic from the bone protect might that newto lead could treatments information This applying of the possibilities explore to a grant also has been Magliocco awarded Dr. cancer. breast be at might cancer breast with which women determine to a new technology called proteomics might who identifying women those for is important very information This metastasis. high of risk chemotherapy. toxic potentially benefit from In a multidisciplinary research collaboration, Dr. Tony Magliocco, Dr. Corinne Doll, and Dr. Susan Susan Dr. Corinne and Doll, Dr. Magliocco, Tony Dr. collaboration, research a multidisciplinary In and treatment their cancer to respond patients trying some Lees-Miller why are determine to specializedsupporting in is testing is doing laboratory Magliocco’s Dr. that work The do not. others the improving at aimed Doll, Dr. colleague, his led by study research translational important an locally cervical developed advanced who have cancer. women of outcome of 40 per to cent up cell malignancies, cervical squamous of other and cancer the treatment In naturally are these tumours of many that likely is It therapy. radiation to respond to fail patients treatment. radiation to resistant begin patients can be performed before tests that molecular profiling no are there Currently, in advances recent But option. treatment the to determine difficult best is so it treatment, a treatment biology before tumour of analysis an for possible it make molecular biology could and head the including sites, tumour other to can be translated research selected. is This option will be this project useful from obtained principles and fact, the results In lungs. and anus, neck, other with patients of in the treatment cervical but of patients cancer in the treatment only not therapy. radiation and chemotherapy with treated currently types cancers of ovarian and cancer in breast changes identify genetic to are research Magliocco’s Dr. of Other aims certain how predict to and cancer of identify the subtype to be can used markers as that cancer in particularly is interested he research, cancer breast his In treatment. to will respond cancers (or spread to cancer breast in driving be involved might activation its how and Src the oncogene a special model test-tube created has laboratory Magliocco’s Dr. this research, For metastasize). determine to cells stromal bone isolate can Magliocco Dr. this model, metastases. Using bone of be can better this process If cells. cancer breast of the growth support and attract they might how breast from the bone protect to new therapies of lead the development could to it understood, metastasis. cancer How do we personalize treatments? personalize we do How

Dr. Corinne Doll Corinne > Dr. Magliocco Tony > Dr. Tumour profiling profiling Tumour Louise Lampard with Dr. Corrine Doll, Alberta Health Services Louise Lampard with Dr.

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 36 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 37 albertacancer.ca After Louise Lampard was declared cancer free, she decided to give back to the Tom Baker Tom Cancer to the back decidedshe to give free, cancer declared was After Louise Lampard research Doll’s which Dr. funds the Alberta for Foundation, Cancer money raising by Centre the Calgary of the stairs Tower. climbing $2,000 by over raised just She in cervicalprogram cancer. “I believe in mind over matter as much as I believe in the treatment I received. I can’t speak I can’t I received. I believe as in the treatment much as matter believe over in mind “I These there. on going is that the research and Baker Centre Cancer the Tom of highly enough help to got you’ve I think, that line, is the bottom “But Ms. Lampard. says people,” incredible are fight.” own a part in your play these if you things sorts through of get can You well. as yourself, After undergoing six sessions of chemotherapy, six weeks of daily radiation therapy, and 48 hours hours 48 and therapy, radiation of daily weeks six chemotherapy, of six sessions undergoing After 2006. free in January cancer declared was Ms. Lampard radiation, internal of “It was a whirlwind of emotions,” says Ms. Lampard. “I don’t think I got angry. I just could not not could I just angry. think I got don’t “I Ms. Lampard. says emotions,” of a whirlwind was “It the date me die? Tell to I going am thinking, ‘When kept I just me. to happening was believe it die.’” to going I am my of the thought said “She prognosis. Ms. Lampard’s about attitude Doll a positive had Dr. But again. be to healthy going I was that me that me assured She head. her even entered hadn’t dying Ms. Lampard. says changed,” attitude my whole Doll that Dr. meeting with that after was It cancer in September 2005, the news was devastating to her. 2005, the news cancer in September research collaboration. When she was given a diagnosis of cervical given a diagnosis of When she was research collaboration. Louise Lampard, 37, directly benefitted from the tumour profiling from the tumour profiling 37, directly benefitted Louise Lampard,

Now Dr. Lees-Miller is also leading a multi-year study of a related protein called ATM. Like DNA- called ATM. protein a related of study Lees-Miller also is a multi-year leading Dr. Now by radiation inflicted is thethat kind including damage, DNA repair helps protein the ATM PK, people some why determine may ATM of vitality or the presence that also appears it But therapy. are team her and Lees-Miller Dr. In addition, place. in the first cancer breast get to likely more are some and therapy radiation by caused damage the types DNA to of responds ATM how at looking lower, with being treated patients lead cancer could to that the future, In chemotherapy. of forms fewer side effects. with of radiation, doses effective more Dr. Lees-Miller attracted international attention in 1990, when, as part of her post-doctoral her when, part in 1990, as of attention international Lees-Miller attracted Dr. which a new protein, discovered she Laboratory, National Brookhaven Island’s Long at research including community, the scientific study, of furtherfive years After DNA-PK. as became known damage DNA repairing in a vital role plays DNA-PK determined that laboratory, Lees-Miller’s Dr. recently, more And, patients. cancer for therapy common most radiation—the ionizing by caused preclinical drug for trials way the paving discovered, were DNA-PK of specific the first inhibitors treatments. cancer better new lead and to eventually might that One particular area of study involves how cells repair breaks in their DNA. Such DNA breaks can can breaks DNA Such in their DNA. breaks repair cells how involves study particular of One area processes cell normal or even effect,from mimic its drugs that from radiation, ionizing arise from the involve and complex are systems repair DNA cells’ The system. the immune with associated signal damage the detect damage, the parts that protein different of hundreds action of coordinated to prone more are breaks repair to unable are Cells it. that then repair and the cell, of the rest to and of radiation the effects to resistant are tumours Some radiosensitivity. to and further damage respond the cells how studying are team Lees-Miller her and Dr. therapy. to resistant therefore are oxidation. by damage and therapy radiation to due in their DNA breaks to Dr. Susan Lees-Miller’s research group studies how ionizing radiation damages cells, and why why and cells, damages radiation ionizing how studies group research Lees-Miller’s Susan Dr. radiation ionizing understanding By others. than damage such to susceptible more are cells some cells. kill be to directed tumour better might therapy radiation damage, Ionizing radiation is a type of radiation that occurs all around us: it is present in the atmosphere in the atmosphere present is it us: occurs all that around a type radiation is of radiation Ionizing some of both a cause as known is radiation Ionizing used is in X-rays. and cosmic radiation) (as therapy. radiation of in the form treatment, of means established the most of one as and cancers radiation? How do cells respond to ionizing ionizing to respond cells do How Dr. Susan Lees-Miller Lees-Miller Susan > Dr. Studying DNA repair repair DNA Studying

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 38 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 39 albertacancer.ca Dr. Susan Lees-Miller, University of Calgary Susan Lees-Miller, Dr. How can we reduce How can we reduce suffering? cancer-related

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 40 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 41 albertacancer.ca >> Dr. Sharon Watanabe, Alberta Health Services, University of Alberta Sharon Watanabe, Dr.

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 42 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 43 albertacancer.ca

Symptom scales in clinical practice are important, because a well-designed scale gives doctors a because scale a well-designed doctors gives important, scales in clinical practice are Symptom a researchers gives time and over condition in a patient’s they changes track use to can measure System Assessment Symptom The Edmonton of a treatment. the effect they measure tool use to can patients. cancer and care in palliative symptoms measuring scale for applied a widely is (ESAS) her and Watanabe Dr. Recently, in Edmonton. researchers originallyby designed was ESAS The they needed further that to they the ESAS; found of testing quality of assessedcolleagues 15 years study a completed now the scale. to Theyhave view regard with of point the patient investigate a new the these scale. results, of On the of basis their opinions use and the ESAS patients how of being tested. now is the ESAS of version Opioid analgesics are the mainstay of pain control in cancer. Nevertheless, their limitations in their limitations Nevertheless, in cancer. control pain of the mainstay are analgesics Opioid needed. are therapies of alternative studies theirmean side-effectsthat and pain controlling breakthrough for methadone the use of in studying involved is team Watanabe’s Dr. Currently, metastases may bone with patients that the which pain is pain, Breakthrough pain. cancer pain medications conventional with treat to difficult is position, experience when they change methadone of experimental preparation an action. However, of onset their slow because of patients. some for in minutes pain relieve starts to the tongue under administered ease the pain of cancer patients? cancer of pain the ease die will cancer with eventually of patients number a significant in treatment, advances Despite Watanabe, Sharon Dr. care. in palliative their the special disease, research of and needs drive Institute Cancer the Cross at Care Palliative and Control Symptom of the Department of director research Her care. palliative about education patient and in clinical care involved is in Edmonton, loss, weight and appetite control, pain as such care, aspects palliative of multiple include interests assessment. symptom and What therapies are being studied to to studied being are therapies What

Dr. Sharon Watanabe Sharon > Dr. Palliative care care Palliative Dr. Marcy Winget, Alberta Health Services, University of Alberta Marcy Winget, Alberta Dr.

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 44 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 45 albertacancer.ca

Dr. Winget and her team have also found that, to date, most attention is paid to time to time to to paid is attention most date, to that, also found have team her and Winget Dr. (including types treatment other of to given attention little with surgery, or radiotherapy for Even initial treatment. after or diagnosis a cancer before happens what or chemotherapy) of the question answer good to data of a lack is there treatment, times to waiting of the measure helped Winget Dr. study, research collaborative a three-province In wait. to too is long” long “how comparisons times, so that waiting to related approaches and measures identify the appropriate provinces. perspective be across could made the patients’ from Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system is in some respects ideal for this research, but but this research, respects ideal in some is for system funded healthcare publicly Canada’s its for responsible is Everyprovince challenges. also faced definite have team her and Winget Dr. to primary all care aspects medicine—from of involves care cancer and delivery, healthcare own agencies and institutions The medicine. complementary and alternative to protocols clinical study healthcare as defined necessarily those to not care cancer to those dedicated from range involved being not are care cancer of needed describe the data to of the continuum Much institutions. being not are be or to analysed, the steps allows that being collected in a form not collected, are provinces. or institutions, agencies, across collected consistently Dr. Winget’s research team studies the continuum of cancer care, from before diagnosis, through through diagnosis, before from care, cancer of the continuum studies team research Winget’s Dr. is in fully interest Their care. end-of-life patients, some for or, follow-up long-term to treatment, roadblocks where in defining and systems or the system through move patients how understanding work of this outcome The of treatment. success on the effect a measurable have that exist might the identifying types as well of as be improved might care where to as will be recommendations the intention with patients, older or rural as such patients care, to access limited have that patients diagnosed cancer. with who are survival the health and patients of improving of the bestthe possible? care cancer How do we know Albertans are receiving Albertans receiving know are we do How

Dr. Marcy Winget Marcy > Dr. Health care outcomes research research outcomes care Health Platform Technologies Research in Brief who have A sampling of researchers received Alberta Cancer Foundation funding

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 46 albertacancer.ca Research in Brief

Dr. Vickie Baracos Dr. Gregory Cairncross Alberta Health Services, University of Alberta University of Calgary Dr. Baracos’ area of interest is the malnutrition, muscle Dr. Cairncross has been the principal investigator wasting, and involuntary weight loss (called cachexia) in international clinical trials and a collaborator in frequently associated with advanced cancer. Dr Baracos’ translational (bench-to-bedside) research studies in interdisciplinary research team explores the basic the treatment of glioblastoma, which is an aggressive underlying problems that lead to these changes and form of brain tumour. Most patients with glioblastoma the development of nutritional and metabolic treatments do not survive. However, results from a recent clinical to prevent or reverse cachexia. trial that included Calgary as a study site showed that

glioblastoma patients survived longer if they received QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS Dr. Oliver Bathe the chemotherapy drug temozolomide in addition to Alberta Health Services, University of Calgary radiation therapy. Dr. Bathe’s clinical research interest is in improving Temozolomide is now part of the standard treatment for outcomes for the patient population he treats, patients glioblastoma, and the relationship between the response with hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal tumors. He also to temozolomide and the genetic characteristics of cancer runs a hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal tumor bank, and is the subject of further research for the treatment of collaborates with experts in mass spectrometry, NMR other types of tumours. Dr. Cairncross and his team also spectroscopy, and metabolomics to identify predictive continue to collaborate with groups from around the and prognostic biomarkers for these tumors. His lab is world to test the effectiveness of the drug temozolomide focused on understanding the molecular events in the and radiation therapy in treating another form of brain tumor microenvironment that affect tumor progression. cancer, anaplastic glioma. Dr. Tara Beattie Dr. Linda Carlson University of Calgary Alberta Health Services, University of Calgary Dr. Beattie studies human telomerase, which is the 47 Dr. Carlson’s research group studies the emotional and enzyme that replicates the ends of cellular chromosomes. social impact of cancer, with the intention of developing

In cancer, telomerase over-activity is part of the reason albertacancer.ca a system for recognition, triage, and referral of patients cancer cells are able to continue to grow and divide when in distress. They are also interested in the mind- normal cells would otherwise have reached their limit. body relationship in cancer. A third area of study is Dr. Gwyn Bebb survivorship, given that two-thirds of people diagnosed Alberta Health Services, University of Calgary with cancer will be still alive five years later. Dr. Bebb’s clinical interest is in the treatment of lung and Dr. Carol Cass gastrointestinal cancer (stomach, pancreas, colorectal). Alberta Health Services, University of Alberta His research interests are in novel therapies for lung Dr. Cass’ research group studies the proteins that cancer and mantle cell lymphoma and in developing a transport nucleosides (building blocks of DNA and RNA) clinical-pathological database for lung cancer patients into cells, with particular attention to how these proteins that can serve as a major lung cancer research tool transport chemotherapy drugs that have their effects by for Alberta. replacing nucleosides in DNA, and thereby damaging the Dr. Barry Bultz DNA. This research will help refine the use of nucleoside Alberta Health Services drugs in the clinic. Dr. Bultz and his research team study the emotional Dr. Gordon Chan and social impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment Alberta Health Services, University of Alberta on patients and their families. They have studied and Dr. Chan’s research group studies the mechanisms developed strategies to assess and treat distress and that control the cell’s cycle of division, with particular enhance quality of life for those living with cancer. attention to how the normally dividing cell ensures that its chromosomes are equally divided between the two daughter cells—something that cancer cells frequently fail to do. Dr. Peter Forsyth Dr. University of Calgary Services, Alberta Health new the use of studying is group research Forsyth’s Dr. therapies when traditional cancers brain for treatments working. stop therapy radiation or chemotherapy as such will that treatments focuses (1) developing on work His (called tissue normal invading from cells cancer stop (tumour-killing) oncolytic using (2) and “invasion”) cancer. for viruses treatments potential as of cancer successful to barrierthe treatment major The tissues the normal invade cancers most that is patients that means This the body. throughout spread and are that therapy radiation surgery as or such treatments will mass be tumour the main at directed and “local” invade cells tumour in which the cancers for ineffective is team Forsyth’s Dr. metastasize. or tissue, normal stop to treatments this testing occurs and how studying invasion. this tumour reverse or a using focus involves research second Forsyth’s Dr. cancers. for viruses of experimental treatments as number viruses kill infect and cancer-killing) (or “Oncolytic” This cells. normal affecting seriously without cells cancer a certain have cells selectivity arises because tumour unable cells the cancer make that on turned oncogene So, response. anti-viral protective a normal mount to and cell, a cancer within replicate to the virus continues infect to when released the cell dies, the virus particles are throughout spreading eventually cells, neighbouring this tested have team his and Forsyth Dr. the tumour. performed several and in the laboratory approach small clinical trials in a true “bench-to-bedside” approach. research Donald Fujita Dr. University of Calgary in the protein control a master Src, studies Fujita Dr. in and cells of migration and maturation, proliferation, Elevated new (angiogenesis). blood of vessels the growth including in several cancers, involved is activity Src Dr. melanoma. and cancers prostate and colon, breast, growth tumor blocking methods of developing is Fujita targeted through in experimental systems metastasis and These products. gene cancer-causing of inhibition safer of the development facilitate methods might drugs. anti-cancer effective more and Savraj Grewal Dr. University of Calgary cancer. of a hallmark is cell growth Abnormal the genes studies group research Grewal’s Dr. Drosophila in the fruit fly, cell growth control that to are identical genes fly These melanogaster. in cancer. mutated often are that genes human

Dr. Bernhard Eigl Dr. Alberta Health Services interests whose research Eigl a medical is oncologist Dr. clinical in oncology and genitourinary of in the fields are trial methodology design and clinical the design (ie, of recruiting and of trials, barriers in conducting potential a provincial of chair currently is clinical trials). He for and cancer for Committee Monitoring Safety Data the Alberta of Unit Clinicaldirector Research Cancer (ACCRU). Dr. Corinne Doll Dr. Alberta Health Services cancer some that know team research her Doll and Dr. and therapy radiation to respond to fail patients They why. out find to they want and chemoradiotherapy, genes and particular of proteins the role examining are be to tumours cause may EGFR) that and (p53, HPV, and these proteins of the role Once treatment. to resistant will develop it be to understood, possible better is genes be could which used determine to that tests laboratory and therapy conventional to respond will not patients will truly that therapies targeted develop subsequently them. help Dr. Demetrick’s research group studies the signals that the signals that studies group research Demetrick’s Dr. They cells. cancer of division and the growth control of subtypes identifying methods for also developing are abnormalities chromosome of the presence by tumours changes. sequence DNA and Dr. Doug Demetrick Dr. Dr. Kerry Courneya Dr. University of Alberta activity physical studies group research Courneya’s Dr. of the patterns They examine cancer. with in patients disease of all and stages at patients in cancer exercise symptoms, affects exercise how determine and treatment of life, quality overall of treatments, side effects survival. addition, overall In and disease recurrence, promoting of means effective studies team Courneya’s Dr. survivors. in cancer activity physical Research in Brief Research Jennifer Cobb Dr. of Calgary University the events molecular studies group research Cobb’s Dr. primary with instability, lead chromosomal to that involves project One checkpoint. the S phase focus on RecQ helicases which the have function of understanding These genome. the human of been termed “caretakers” replication, and repair DNA functionenzymes during in common mutations of the accumulation preventing RecQ function proper who lack Individuals cells. cancer have homologues human the five of three least in at cases exhibit in some and cancer to a predisposition aging. premature

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 48 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 49 albertacancer.ca AJB (Sandy) McEwan Dr. University of Alberta Services, Alberta Health at research cancer of director associate is McEwan Dr. the Department of chair and Institute Cancer the Cross also is Alberta. of He the University Oncologyof at of the Department of acting director and professor Institute. Cancer the Cross at Imaging Oncologic experts leading in the world’s of one is McEwan Dr. imaging. (PET) tomography emission positron of in the field widely published has McEwan Dr. a McCalla of the recipient was He medicine. nuclear Alberta of in 2001, a the University at Professorship of Association the Canadian of President former the Society of President now is and Medicine, Nuclear Medicine. Nuclear of Ron Moore Dr. Alberta Health Services cell superficial transitional for therapy Conventional cell renal metastatic and (sTCCB) the bladder of cancer the immune revving up involves (mRCC) carcinoma a live instilling this involves sTCCB, For system. the which increases the bladder, into mycobacterium releases system immune The infection. severe of risk but ligands), die (death to cells cancer tell molecules that will molecules allow that adaptive produce can cancer team his and Moore Ron survive. to Dr. cells cancer with therapies combination establish to working are will molecules selectively that these newly discovered infection. the of risk without cells, the cancer eliminate cell programmed undergo the to cells Programming will eliminate also potentially (calleddeath apoptosis) secondary cancers. side effects, including other the of risk David Murray Dr. Alberta Health Services their repair cells how studies group research Murray’s Dr. anti- or radiation by ionizing is it damaged after DNA other by affected are these drugs, responses cancer how the how and in cancer, altered commonly cell processes in treatment. an advantage usedbe to may differences which indicate that variations the genetic also studies He and therapy to radiation differently will respond patients chemotherapy. Albert Murtha Dr. Alberta Health Services the development include interests research Murtha’s Dr. learning) (machine analyses computer sophisticated of the how examine to images diagnostic advanced on therapy radiation during changes tumours of metabolism also is involved He tissues. normal of that to compared prostate of the technique optimizing at aimed in research into radioactive beads (using implanted brachytherapy therapy). radiation deliver to the tumour

Dr. Olga Kovalchuk Dr. University of Lethbridge studying are researchers laboratory, Kovalchuk’s Dr. In by caused damage between DNA the relationship cell signaling, agents, genotoxic other and radiation and the genome of stability regulation, epigenetic the breast). blood of and (particularly cancer cancer Dr. Linda Kelemen Dr. Alberta Health Services and focuses the genetic on research Linda Kelemen’s Dr. particularly cancer cancer, molecular epidemiology of studying are team her and She breast. and the ovaries of the as diet influence such modifiers environmental how also are They progression. its and cancer for risk genetic cancer for biomarkers early in identifying interested tumours of molecular subtypes how understanding and treatment. to respond Dr. Frank Jirik Dr. University of Calgary studying are laboratory Jirik’s in Dr. Researchers model mice to using cancer, lung and prostate, breast, new imaging Using cancers. occurring human commonly breast treat to ways discovering they are technologies, the In bone. to (metastasize) spread that cells cancer being used to mice are transgenic cancer, prostate of area cancer. prostate human in causing involved genes study cancer lung how to understand is working alsoteam The in cells accelerated is carcinogen a tobacco by caused their DNA. to damage repair correctly to unable Dr. Mary Hitt Dr. of Alberta Alberta Health Services, University viruses fight to developing is group research Hitt’s Dr. various on working are collaborators her and She cancer. cancer affects only the therapy that ensuring methods of cells. normal not and cells Research in Brief in Research Neil Hagen Dr. University of Calgary Services, Alberta Health in pain in measuring is interest research Hagen’s Dr. new means assessing and developing patients, cancer of the effectiveness improving and alleviating pain, of researchers of a team leading is methods. He current the tongue) under (administered sublingual in testing pain, “breakthrough” of in the treatment methadone He act too slowly. relief pain when usual methods of a Canada-wide trial of investigator alsois principal cancer novel as a poison) fish (puffer tetrodotoxin of medication. pain Jack Tuszynski Dr. University of Alberta Services, Alberta Health the computational the leader is of Tuszynski Dr. design drugs. to uses computers that group biophysics the which constructs in tubulin, is particular interest His cell during chromosomes the separates that scaffolding for target important an therefore, is, and division drugs. chemotherapy Peter Venner Dr. University of Alberta Alberta Health Services, Medical of the Division of the director is Venner Dr. in involved is He Institute. Cancer the Cross Oncology at kidney, prostate, of the treatment into clinical research investigator-initiated, of in the form cancer, bladder and Recently, studies. industry-sponsored and cooperative, the from results of in the publication involved was he metastatic for chemotherapy trialASCENT about led to that in studies participated he and cancer, prostate advanced of in the treatment sunitinib of the approval kidney cancer. Michael Weinfeld Dr. Alberta Health Services cells how investigates group research Weinfeld’s Dr. chemicals, and radiation ionizing by damage to respond collaboration In repair. DNA to especially regard with Alberta) Susan of and (University Glover Mark Drs. with human Calgary), of studying is he Lees-Miller (University which enzyme prepares kinase an (PNK), polynucleotide rejoined. so they be strands can efficiently DNA broken X. Chris Le (University Dr. with also is collaborating He cancer. causes arsenic how Alberta) of of in a study Frederick West Dr. University of Alberta trying are to team research his and West Frederick Dr. in promise shown have drugs that chemotherapy “rescue” because be used in patients cannot that but the laboratory for ways are developing They side effects. their toxic of to selectively more drugs be to delivered these potent doses lower receive to patients allowing cells, cancer side effects. fewer have drugs and chemotherapy of

Joan Turner Dr. Alberta Health Services the mechanisms investigates group research Turner’s Dr. be to resistant tumors human some cause that in also interested are They therapy. radiation to survive and to adapt can cells tumor how understanding supply, nutrient and oxygen low of conditions under is work This resistant. treatment become thus and brain, sites—the particularly focused tumor three on cervix. and breast, Dr. Andrew Shaw Dr. Alberta Health Services, University of Alberta factor the nuclear how investigates research Shaw’s Dr. of the expression control that proteins B family, kappa cell and cell death) (programmed apoptosis for genes of progression and development the influence growth, kappa factor because nuclear addition, In cancer. breast a they are therapies, cancer by activated are B proteins drugs. new anti-cancer for target potential Dr. Karl Riabowol Dr. University of Calgary the mechanisms studies group research Riabowol’s Dr. age with dividing stop to normally cells cause that circumvent cells cancer that the ways (senescence) and They dividing. alsostudy continue to these limits shortening preventing caps (the protective telomers genes suppressor tumor and ends) chromosomal of proteins. and Matthew Parliament Dr. University of Alberta Services, Alberta Health include clinical interests Parliament’s Matthew Dr. (GU) malignancies. genitourinary and neck head and adopters early were colleagues research his and He modulated intensity radiotherapy, 3D conformal of scene. the Canadian on tomotherapy and radiotherapy, patient of improved studies in interested are They technologies. guided RT image advanced using outcome patient—derived usephysician—and studies These life of quality in-depth including reporting, toxicity cancer. prostate and cancer neck in head and assessment in which ways the also to explore are Theybeginning modalities enhance can functional imaging advanced GU malignancies. and neck in head and targeting they have initiative, the PolyomX with collaboration In inter-individual for basis the genetic begun explore to outcomes. toxicity treatment in radiation variation sequencing, polymorphism nucleotide single Using tissue repair, damage in DNA genes candidate key their for analyzed are homeostasis and remodeling They toxicity. documented with association potential dosimetry provide to database also use a comprehensive treatments. archival of dose correlate the physical Research in Brief Research

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 50 albertacancer.ca QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 51 albertacancer.ca

and to evaluate current and new treatments. at intervals. With the use of the 9.4T MR animal imaging system, researchers at the Center for Biological Imaging and Adaptive emerging the of forefront the at are CCI at (CBIAR) Radiotherapy field of MR molecular imaging. Molecular imaging allows researchers to go beyond traditional imaging of anatomic changes by seeing and measuring metabolic processes at the cellular and molecular level. Researchers at CCI use this tool in animal models to probe the biological mechanisms of cancer and the response to innovative treatments. Results of the studies can then be applied in humans. Information management (enterprise business) The process of managing and analyzing information collected The information is used in cancer research, about cancer. for facility planning and marketing, for monitoring patient outcomes, in cancer prevention and surveillance programs, and to develop new medicines for treatment. It may also be and to develop new medicines for treatment. targets for used for identifying genes that could be potential new cancer treatments. Image-guided adaptive radiotherapy (IGAR) program (CCI) The IGAR program at the Cross Cancer Institute world and in Edmonton is the only one of its kind in the first helical tomotherapy incorporates one of the world’s body (3T) systems for use in humans; an ultra-high, whole spectroscopy magnetic resonance (MR) human imaging and system system; a 9.4T MR animal imaging and spectroscopy an image- (the strongest imaging magnetic field in Canada); for the fusion laboratory; and the computer laboratories These MR systems Canadian Computational Cancer Center (C4). and biochemical provide the anatomic, functional, metabolic, stage and to information to identify disease at an earlier after or monitor treatment response—either immediately DNA microarray technology DNA microarray once of genes at to examine thousands Allows researchers of those genes are active in a particular and determine which researchers can technology, cell type. Using DNA microarray the patterns of gene activity within classify cancer types by this technology could be used to a tumour cell. In the future, the type of cancer. tailor the treatment to High-throughput screening researchers to analyze a large number A technique that allows or genes at once. Chemical compounds of chemical compounds screening can be used to identified with high-throughput relationships that lead to cancer understand the molecular

techniques already in use include magnetic resonance techniques already in use include magnetic Cellular imaging the ways that “Seeing” into cells and their parts is one of Cellular imaging researchers can understand how a cell works. involves the use of powerful microscopes and special proteins that “label” the molecules of cells, so that researchers can actually look at how live cells function when they are healthy Animal imaging techniques and Allows researchers to develop new imaging of how cancer technologies to further their understanding of imaging develops and progresses in people. Examples Bioinformatics and computational biology and computer- Bioinformatics uses mathematical, statistical, researchers already aided formulas to analyze information that biology uses know about a problem while computational researchers think computers to analyze “hypotheses,” or what both types are they know about a problem. In cancer research, occur. often used to map how and where cell mutations Cyclotron A device that uses electric fields to accelerate particles (electrons) to very high speeds. In cancer treatment, cyclotron beams can be used to penetrate the body and kill tumours with the least possible harm to surrounding healthy tissue. Cyclotron beams are also used to produce the isotope-labeled tracers needed for positron emission tomography (PET). The medical cyclotron facility at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton makes a short-lived isotope of fluorine, called fluorine-18, that is linked with important clinical data about those patients. that is linked with important and elsewhere can use these Researchers from Alberta about cancer treatments samples to answer questions and outcomes. (PET). imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography or diseased. for use in PET.

Alberta Cancer Registry Alberta Cancer for recording registry (database) A population-based new cancer cases and deaths in Alberta. information about all by is accredited with a Gold Award The Alberta Cancer Registry of Central Cancer Registries. the North American Association registry captures more than means that the The Gold Award Bank Alberta Research Tumour tissue samples from patients A collection of high-quality Platform Technologies Platform cancer cases in Alberta. 95 per cent of all new Radiopharmaceuticals manufacturing facility manufacturing Radiopharmaceuticals Centre is a centralized Radiopharmaceutical The Edmonton out of the Cross Cancer Institute. It radiopharmacy operating radio-labeled diagnostic and therapeutic manufactures special researchers. agents for hospitals and SNP analysis (SNP or “snip”) analysis Single nucleotide polymorphism in the sequence of DNA involves analyzing variations single nucleotides, which are that involve changes to (and RNA) that carry the genetic the components of DNA in the DNA sequence can affect information. These variations or how are to diseases like cancer, how susceptible people For cancer well their bodies tolerate treatment for cancer. fruit flies, SNP researchers working on model organisms like that are artificially analysis is valuable for assessing variations produced for research purposes. Tomotherapy uses a helical tomotherapy machine to combine Tomotherapy therapy. computed tomography (CT) scanning and radiation delivers the radiation directly to the tumour, Tomotherapy CT scan sparing healthy tissue around it, because the of the tumour. continuously shows the location and outline

pictures of the body. Optical imaging is not yet used in Optical imaging is not pictures of the body. Optical imaging to create An imaging technique that uses infrared light Noninvasive molecular imaging Noninvasive molecular look inside cells and see how they Allows researchers to level. Researchers use special are working at the molecular which interact chemically with probes called “biomarkers,” activity. surrounding tissues to highlight areas of molecular diagnosing cancer Noninvasive molecular imaging is useful for and for testing new medicines for treatment. Proteomics The study of the structure and function of proteins. Cancer researchers are using proteomics to identify biomarkers, which can be individual proteins or patterns of protein expression that can be used for diagnosing disease or for developing new medicines. One of the first biomarkers used in disease doctors Today, diagnosis was prostate-specific antigen (PSA). commonly use PSA levels for diagnosing prostate cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) resonance imaging Magnetic and a waves imaging that uses radiofrequency A method of tissues. It 3-D images of the body’s magnetic field to produce cancer and to find out if it has spread can be used to diagnose to enable staging and planning to other parts of the body is useful for detecting cancer of MRI of radiation therapy. can be and kidneys and lungs, liver, the brain, spinal cord, to detect breast cancer. combined with mammography Positron emission tomography (PET) radioactive tracer An imaging technique that uses a harmless of radiation injected into the bloodstream and hundreds where in the body, detectors that track and measure the tracer or in the normal it accumulates in tumours, highlighting them, uses computers tissues around tumours. The PET scanner then tissues. PET scanning is very to create pictures of the body’s lymphoma and useful for detecting breast and lung cancers, and melanoma. Doctors also use PET to stage cancers Population database Project, an Alberta Cancer Foundation research The Tomorrow initiative, tracks a population of 50,000 healthy people in a long-term study of lifestyle and cancer. Platform Technologies Platform imaging patients, but it is one of the fastest-growing techniques for cancer research. to monitor if treatment is working.

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 52 albertacancer.ca Donor Profile Frank Sojonky

Seventeen years ago, at the age of 62, When he learned from his oncologist, Dr. Peter Venner, Frank Sojonky was diagnosed with of a 3D diagnostic tool, he told Dr. Venner, “Buy it. You order it, and I’ll find the money.” inoperable prostate cancer. Not only did he raise the money for the machine through a personal pledge of $275,000, but fundraising efforts by friends and colleagues raised nearly twice the amount needed.

And now his end goal of establishing an endowed chair for prostate cancer research has also been achieved because of his entrepreneurial spirit.

“It is a rare privilege,” says Mr. Sojonky, “to be a part of saving even one life.”

Donors Frank Sojonky with his wife Carla. The Alberta Cancer Foundation supports the quest for a cancer-free future by building ongoing donor support for Today, he gives his time to raising funds through the research, prevention, treatment and care. Alberta Cancer Foundation. Under his leadership, a core of donors and volunteers raised more than $2.5 million The Alberta Cancer Foundation is the charitable for prostate cancer research. The money raised has been foundation for the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary; matched by the Alberta Cancer Foundation to establish the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton; associate cancer the Frank and Carla Sojonky Chair in Prostate Cancer centres in Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Red Deer, and Research at the Cross Cancer Institute. The chair will Medicine Hat; and 11 community cancer centres across spearhead a province-wide research collaboration in the Alberta. All funds contributed to the Alberta Cancer area of prostate cancer, which affects more than 2,000 Foundation stay in the province of Alberta. Alberta men each year. More than 300 Albertans die of prostate cancer each year. Donations to the Alberta Cancer Foundation help

Mr. Sojonky was born and raised in Regina, > Fund and coordinate cancer research in the province Saskatchewan, the oldest of five children. He opened a > Provide evidence-based prevention and screening restaurant when he was 22 years old with $275 and his programs, so fewer people will get cancer Bachelor of Commerce degree from Regina College (now the University of Regina) as his only collateral. > Provide diagnosis, treatment, and care to Albertans through its cancer-centre sites located province-wide. “I loved cooking, and I was born an entrepreneur,” says Mr. Sojonky. That entrepreneurial nature eventually led Donors to the Alberta Cancer Foundation make it him to the world of commercial and residential real estate possible to fund research projects that will ultimately development, where his creativity and determination improve the quality of cancer care and outcomes for have made their mark across western Canada for more all Albertans. In 2009, thanks to a transformational than 40 years. donation from Daryl and Diane Howards, new state- of-the-art research laboratories in Calgary were opened For years, Mr. Sojonky hid his battle with prostate cancer, where research teams dedicated to DNA repair, pediatric until 2003, when the cancer began to spread. Now he oncology, molecular cancer epidemiology, and brain does not hide: he knows he will die of prostate cancer. tumour research are housed. Huge steps forward in cancer diagnosis and treatment are too late for him. However, that does not stop him in his determination to make a difference.

Mary Johnston Chair in Melanoma Research Chair in Melanoma Mary Johnston Alan Underhill, Edmonton) (Dr. possible by a $1-million research chair was made This $3-million Mary from the family of the Alberta Cancer Foundation donation to Ms. Society for Melanoma. chair of the Alberta Johnston, former in 2004. The endowment will allow Johnston died of melanoma to research directed at identifying key for a long-term commitment of melanoma that could lead to potential pathways in the development therapy. targets for prevention and Underhill Alan Dr. Research Chair, As the Mary Johnston Melanoma that normally function during melanocyte will study how proteins in melanoma. This research may lead to development are exploited treatments for patients with melanoma. improved outcomes and Endowed Chair in Radiopharmaceutical Dianne & Irving Kipnes Edmonton) Wuest, Frank Sciences (Dr. for cancer at the Dianne and Irving Kipnes, both successfully treated a new research Cross Cancer Institute, donated $5 million to create donation is the chair in radiopharmaceutical sciences. The Kipnes’ has received. largest single gift the Alberta Cancer Foundation Tomography expertise, the Positron Emission Frank Wuest’s With Dr. for Biological first Centre (PET) Program, located within the world’s Cancer Institute, will Imaging and Adaptive Radiotherapy at the Cross that find cancer now be able to focus on developing new indicators cells and monitor treatment better than ever before. Enbridge Chair in Psychosocial Oncology Linda Carlson, Calgary) (Dr. the University This $3-million chair in the Faculty of Medicine at and the of Calgary is co-funded by the Alberta Cancer Foundation Division, which contributed Alberta/NWT Canadian Cancer Society, includes a funding $1.5 million. The Alberta Cancer Foundation’s the largest $1.2 million donation from Enbridge Inc. This gift, charitable donation ever made by Enbridge, was a centennial charitable donation ever made by Enbridge, was gift to Albertans facing cancer. Linda Carlson is a leader in the field of psychosocial oncology Dr. research. Of note is her research on distress prevalence and on evidence-based alternative therapies, such as yoga and meditation, which have helped numerous patients reduce their stress levels and improve their quality of life. to End Breast Cancer Chair (recruiting) Weekend Breast to End Breast Cancer Chair will lead Alberta’s The Weekend Cancer Research Initiative, which currently has more than 30 breast cancer research projects. Frank and Carla Sojonky Chair in Prostate Cancer Research (recruiting) This $5-million chair is situated at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton. The fundraising efforts of Frank and Carla Sojonky and others was matched by the Alberta Cancer Foundation to spearhead a province-wide research collaboration for advancing knowledge of the causes, prevention, and treatments of prostate cancer.

The Alberta Cancer Foundation Chair in Palliative Research helps Baracos and her team of researchers conduct innovative Vickie Dr. research in metabolism in wasting disorders, such as skeletal muscle called cachexia. wasting syndrome atrophy and a cancer-associated Baracos’ research focuses on the metabolic abnormalities that Dr. underlie this wasting syndrome associated with advanced cancer. Alberta Cancer Foundation Chair in Palliative Research Baracos, Edmonton) Vickie (Dr. The Kids Cancer Foundation Chair in Pediatric Oncology is the largest $6 million, the funded oncology chair of its kind in Canada. Worth Hospital is designed to attract endowed chair at the Alberta Children’s a cancer scientist of international stature who will build a world-class childhood cancer research program in Alberta. Kids Cancer Care Foundation Chair in Pediatric Oncology (Recruiting) Since its creation in 2003, the chair has been held by Dr. Susan Lees- Since its creation in 2003, the chair has been held by Dr. Lees-Miller investigates how Leading a team of researchers, Dr. Miller. human cells recognize and repair DNA that has been damaged as a result of ionizing radiation. The $5-million Engineered Air Chair in Cancer Research was made The $5-million Engineered Air Chair in Cancer Research from Engineered Air possible through generous funding commitments of Calgary. to the Alberta Cancer Foundation and from the University The $5-million Chair in Molecular Cancer Epidemiology will provide The $5-million Chair in Molecular Cancer Epidemiology Engineered Air Chair in Cancer Research Calgary) Susan Lees-Miller, (Dr. Chair in Molecular Cancer Epidemiology Marty Slatterly) (Dr. world-class program the leadership for developing and maintaining a in molecular cancer epidemiology. Funded by the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the $3-million Allard Chair Funded by the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the $3-million an interdisciplinary approach apply Jack Tuszynski helps physicist Dr. methods for treating in developing novel chemotherapy drugs and new cancer. Allard Foundation Chair in Experimental Oncology Allard Foundation Chair in Experimental Oncology Edmonton) Jack Tuszynski, (Dr. Formed through a partnership between the Alberta Cancer Foundation Formed through a partnership Cancer Foundation the $3-million Alberta and the University of Calgary, provide Gregory Cairncross Research helps Dr. Chair in Brain Tumor brain tumour leadership in developing and maintaining a world-class research program in Calgary. Alberta Cancer Foundation Chair in Brain Tumour Research Research Chair in Brain Tumour Alberta Cancer Foundation Calgary) Greg Cairncross, (Dr.

Endowed Chairs Endowed critical chairs is a of research The establishment to Alberta senior investigators tool in attracting cancer researchers in the and for keeping skilled Foundation Cancer Alberta the date, To province. the funding of 11 chairs in has contributed to Alberta: cancer research in

QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND INNOVATIONS 54 albertacancer.ca More information Dr. Nahum Sonenberg Professor, Department of Biochemistry,

The International Advisory Committee McGill Cancer Centre on Research (IACOR) Dr. Margaret Tempero Deputy Director and Director of Clinical Sciences, The International Advisory Committee on Research is a UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center; committee of international cancer experts who advise and Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, the Alberta Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) on research University of California, San Francisco policy. This committee also provides an independent review of the research activities performed at ACRI. Dr. Martin J. Yaffe Senior Scientist, Department of Imaging Research, Researchers may apply for grant money from the Alberta Sunnybrook HSC Cancer Research Institute to help them perform their research. Grant applications are reviewed by IACOR, which includes the following members: International Advisory Committee on Prevention and Screening (IACOPS) Dr. Phillip E. Branton Director, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, This group was formed to bring an international Institute of Cancer Research perspective and advice on priorities for investment in prevention and screening research initiatives in the Dr. Lewis Cantley province. Membership includes Professor of Systems Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Dr. Sally Vernon (Chair), Professor, The University of Texas Health Science Center–Houston, Houston, Texas Dr. Carol Cass (Ex-officio) Director of the Cross Cancer Institute Dr. David Hill, Director, The Cancer Control Council, Scientific Director Designate of ACRI Victoria, Australia

Dr. Sara Courtneidge Professor Don Iverson, Dean, Faculty of Health and Program Director, Professor, Burnham Institute Behavioural Sciences, Wollongong, Australia

Dr. Robert Day Dr. Jon Kerner, Deputy Director, Research Dissemination President and Director Emeritus, and Diffusion, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre Maryland

Dr. Gilles Favre Ms. Julietta Patnick, Director, NHS Cancer Screening, Institut Claudius Regaud [not listed on website] Sheffield, UK

Dr. Abraham Fuks Dr. John Potter, Director, Public Health Sciences, Professor, McGill University Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington Dr. Donald C. Iverson Executive Dean, University of Wollongong Dr. James Marshall, Sr. Vice President, Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Dr. Cyril Kay (Ex-officio) Buffalo, New York Senior Scientific Advisor, ACRI; Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta Dr. Jacques Bez, Canceropole, Toulouse, France

Dr. James Marshall Senior Vice President, Department of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Dr. Arnold Naimark Director and Professor, Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba Alberta Cancer Foundation 710-10123 99 St NW Edmonton AB T5J 3H1 tf: 1 (866) 412-4222; p: 780.643.4400; f: 780.643.4398 w: albertacancer.ca e: [email protected]