London, Ontario – Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that leave a tumour, enter the blood stream and invade other parts of the body. In a new study funded by the TELUS Ride for Dad London and Grey Bruce, Lawson Health Research Institute’s Dr. Alison Allan will test whether the analysis of CTCs can predict which prostate cancer treatments will be most effective for individual patients. A cheque presentation for this project will take place on Monday, July 17.
Dr. Allan, a Lawson scientist at the London Regional Cancer Program at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), is a national leader in the study of CTCs. Dr. Allan’s lab has developed unique blood tests to track metastasis – the spread of cancer from the original tumour to other sites in the body – by measuring the number of CTCs in a patient’s blood stream. As a result, LHSC now offers these blood tests for prostate, breast and colorectal cancers.
The funding from the TELUS Ride for Dad London and Grey Bruce will help Dr. Allan expand her research on CTCs. “With this generous funding, we will use an emerging technology to determine whether CTC analysis can be used to indicate which patients will respond to chemotherapy versus other targeted therapies,” says Dr. Allan, also an Associate Professor of Oncology and Anatomy & Cell Biology at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. “This could lead to more effective and personalized management of prostate cancer with improved patient outcomes.”
Media are invited to attend a cheque presentation:
- Date: Monday, July 17, 2017
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Dr. Alison Allan’s research laboratory, Victoria Research Laboratories (VRL), Victoria Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre
*Dr. Allan and representatives from the TELUS Ride for Dad London and Grey Bruce chapters will be available for photos/videos and interviews. Please contact Robert DeLaet to arrange.
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Lawson Health Research Institute is one of Canada’s top hospital-based research institutes, tackling the most pressing challenges in health care. As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, our innovation happens where care is delivered. Lawson research teams are at the leading-edge of science with the goal of improving health and the delivery of care for patients. Working in partnership with Western University, our researchers are encouraged to pursue their curiosity, collaborate often and share their discoveries widely. Research conducted through Lawson makes a difference in the lives of patients, families and communities around the world. To learn more, visit www.lawsonresearch.ca.
Senior Media Relations Consultant
Communications & Public Engagement
T: 519-685-8500 ext. 73502
Celine.zadorsky@lhsc.on.ca
