motortion / Depositphotos.com
CALGARY — The Alberta Cancer Foundation is investing $35 million over five years to expand cancer clinical trials and support research into new treatments across the province.
The foundation says the funding represents one of the largest five-year investments in clinical trials in its history and will support research infrastructure, emerging treatments and the daily operation of existing trials.
The investment comes weeks after the Alberta government launched its 10-year cancer care strategy, which aims to improve patient outcomes, expand research and strengthen cancer care through 2036.
“Clinical trials are the backbone of progress in cancer care and ultimately turn medical breakthroughs today into standard of care for future generations,” Alberta Cancer Foundation CEO Wendy Beauchesne said.
“Together with our donor community, we are proud to make this transformational investment which will accelerate the journey from discovery to impact so promising new treatments reach Alberta patients faster.”
Funding will support clinical trial operations and infrastructure at research centres in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge.
In Calgary, the investment will support the Riddell Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy and the Owerko Family Centre for Clinical Trials.
Funding will also support the Clinical Trials Unit at Edmonton’s Cross Cancer Institute, where researchers are working on CAR T-cell therapy and other emerging immunotherapies.
In Lethbridge, the investment will help launch a clinical trial using advanced MRI imaging to determine whether doctors can safely reduce the number of radiation sessions required for prostate cancer patients.
Cancer Care Alberta managing director Brenda Hubley said expanding clinical trial capacity will provide more treatment options for patients.
“The Alberta Cancer Foundation’s historic $35-million investment directly accelerates Alberta’s Strategic Plan for Cancer to 2036, driving advanced research and expanding access to clinical trials,” Hubley said.
“By expanding our clinical trial capacity, we are bringing more innovative treatment options to Albertans right now.”
The Alberta Cancer Foundation raises money to support cancer centres across the province.
The foundation says Albertans have access to more than 200 active cancer clinical trials on any given day.
It also says donor-funded research and clinical trials have contributed to improving cancer outcomes in Alberta, which has moved from having one of Canada’s lowest cancer survival rates to one of the highest over the past 25 years.
Comments