Nova Scotia researchers join Atlantic Cancer Consortium to improve cancer outcomes

The consortium will be working on five projects, three of which are either led or co-led by Nova Scotian researchers

 HalifaxToday Staff

Researchers in Nova Scotia have joined an Atlantic Cancer Consortium with the ultimate goal of improving cancer outcomes in our region.

Doctors and scientists from our province will partner with colleagues in New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador to work on a joint pilot project while aiming to become a member of the Terry Fox Research Institute’s new Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network, a pan-Canadian research network to accelerate precision medicine for cancer patients.

“Over the next two years, we will set the stage for advancing precision medicine in Atlantic Canada,” said consortium’s provincial lead, Dr. Robin Urquhart in a news release.

“For Nova Scotians, this will mean better access to clinical trials for new cancer treatments, a better ability to match treatments to a patient’s specific cancer, closer-to-home testing to monitor how patients respond to treatment, and so much more. It is really an exciting time for us here in Atlantic Canada, and I am absolutely thrilled to be part of the consortium.”

The consortium will be working on five projects, three of which are either led or co-led by Nova Scotian researchers who will be:

• creating a regional biobank of biological material (colorectal and lung cancer specimens) and clinical data;
• building a bioinformatics team focused on data analysis and genomics information sharing within Atlantic Canada; and
• leading a scientific research project on care for lung cancer patients in rural and underserved areas.

The Atlantic Cancer Consortium has a commitment of $3.6 million in new funding for the region from provincial and national partners.

In Nova Scotia, the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Hoffmann-La Roche Limited, MITACS Canada, QEII Foundation, and Research Nova Scotia have contributed approximately $1 million of the total regional amount.

“Dr. Urquhart’s work will enhance care delivery systems and personalized treatment options for all cancer patients in our province,” said the CEO of Research Nova Scotia, Stefan Leslie.

“This research increases physician resources and regional expertise that will help ensure patients receive the right care at the right time.”