Cathy Conroy is one of those Albertans hoping for a better way to predict who will benefit from certain therapies.
So far, no biomarkers have been clinically proven to predict sensitivity to chemotherapy. But Dr. Ing Swie Goping at the University of Alberta and Dr. John Mackey at the Cross Cancer Institute, are hoping to change that. Dr. Goping garnered attention in the world of cancer research when she discovered that a protein, called BAD for short, made cancer cells more sensitive to taxane chemotherapy. Her team believes that the higher the levels of BAD protein in the tumour, the better chance the patient has of responding favourably.
If she is right, it will mark the first predictive biomarker for taxane chemotherapy.
The Alberta Cancer Foundation has committed $1.3 million to this research program and we invite you to be part of this transformative opportunity.
Resources
Leap Magazine Articles
How an Albertan clinical trial made breast cancer treatment safer for women across the country.
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Dr. Lynne Postovit and her team are improving outcomes for women with breast and ovarian cancer
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How The Provincial Breast Health Initiative Is Improving Care For Breast Cancer Patients
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A Calgary-made blood test has the potential to become a key screening tool for breast cancer
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Two mobile mammography units were purchased that can travel to around 120 communities in well-equipped trailers that serve as mobile clinics to screen as many women as possible.
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University of Alberta professor’s research could change the way we treat breast cancer
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Two cancer researchers give us a glimpse into the long process between small breakthroughs and big discoveries
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Latest News
Breast cancer therapy effectiveness under microscope
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Alberta Cancer Foundation Blog
Robin was only 41 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2019.
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In early 2018, Rebecca Lippiatt was blindsided when she received the call from her doctor confirming that she had breast cancer.
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Brain Cancer and Central Nervous System
Improved Treatment
Thanks to you we have reached our goal. The research you support has already led to increased survival rates for patients facing glioblastoma.
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Breast Cancer
Improved Treatment
Every day, 6 Albertans are diagnosed with breast cancer. Many will receive Taxane Chemotherapy, an effective drug that can improve cancer survival. But it only...
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Clinical Trials
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We have committed to raising $10 million over the next five years to bring innovation to Albertans faster. Investing in clinical trials in this province...
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Colorectal Cancer
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In 2017, nearly 2500 Albertans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. These are not just statistics. These are our loved ones, our neighbours, our friends.
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Head and Neck Cancer
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Treatment for this type of cancer leaves patients with severe long-term issues. Often they can’t eat or speak. They become isolated, lose their jobs. Families...
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Immunotherapy
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Scientists and clinicians are realizing the solution to better survival rates will be a combination of traditional techniques with novel treatments. One of the most...
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Lung Cancer
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This year alone, nearly 2000 Albertans are expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer. Sadly, 1700 will die. We are impatient for progress. We know...
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Patient Financial Assistance Program
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Because of investments in the Alberta Cancer Foundation's Patient Financial Assistance Program, hundreds of Albertan families are able to focus on healing rather than making...
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Patient Navigator Program
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Thanks to Alberta Cancer Foundation donors, patient navigators have been in existence since 2012 at the 15 regional and community cancer centres across Alberta.
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Prostate Cancer
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One in six Alberta men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and more than 2,700 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in...
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