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
University of Alberta professor’s research could change the way we treat breast cancer
Read more
Two cancer researchers give us a glimpse into the long process between small breakthroughs and big discoveries
Read more
Latest News
Breast cancer therapy effectiveness under microscope
Read more
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.
Read More
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...
Read More
Clinical Trials
Improved Treatment
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...
Read More
Colorectal Cancer
Improved Treatment
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.
Read More
Head and Neck Cancer
Improved Treatment
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...
Read More
Immunotherapy
Earlier Detection
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...
Read More
Lung Cancer
Improved Treatment
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...
Read More
Patient Financial Assistance Program
Improved Treatment
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...
Read More
Patient Navigator Program
Improved Treatment
Thanks to Alberta Cancer Foundation donors, patient navigators have been in existence since 2012 at the 15 regional and community cancer centres across Alberta.
Read More
Prostate Cancer
Improved Treatment
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...
Read More
