Local researchers to investigate molecular aspects of lymphoid tumours
Vancouver - Scientists at the BC Cancer Agency have joined scientists at the National Institutes of Health, the University of Nebraska in Omaha and the University of Stanford in California to identify genetic patterns of B-cell lymphoma, and how these changes relate to survival rates and treatment. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a US-based biomedical research centre and funding agency awarded $3.2 million US for this four-and-a-half-year collaborative project to investigate the molecular aspects of lymphoid tumours. Approximately $1.6 million Canadian of this funding will be directed to the BC Cancer Agency for research conducted here.
"All cancers have a basis in molecular genetic abnormalities," explained Dr. Randy Gascoyne, BCCA's principle investigator for this research project. "Improved understanding of the genetic make-up of the body and cancer cells in particular, will eventually result in better treatments and better outcomes. This research will provide enormous insights into lymphoma biology. The genetic make-up of these cells is the basis of the disease and should hold the answers to cure."
The scientists will study the genetic patterns in lymphoma tumours, to determine the variety of genetic profiles that can be found. Scientists want to know if different genetic profiles are associated with different patient outcomes (survival rates). Genetic profiling could also have an impact on patient treatment, in two ways. The genetic profile of a tumour will classify the type of disease and would influence the choice of treatment. Also, identifying genetic changes in the tumours would offer targets for new treatment design.
Cancers of the lymphatic system (lymphoma) are divided into two large groups: Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. B-cell lymphomas, the focus of this study, account for 90% of all lymphomas in North America. The incidence of lymphoma has increased by more than 80% since 1973 and scientists (epidemiologists) predict that within the next year, it will become the fourth most common cancer affecting both sexes. Approximately 5,500 Canadians are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma each year (approximately 700 in BC) and 2,500 Canadians succumb to this disease annually (about 290 in BC).
The awarding of this research grant to a Canadian institution is a significant boost for medical research in Canada. The BC Cancer Agency is recognized internationally for its expertise in the area of lymphoma diagnosis, research and treatment. This reputation, and the collaborative nature of this project, were key factors in the awarding of this research grant. "When it comes to cancer research, no one centre can do it alone," Dr. Gascoyne emphasized. "Researchers around the world are recognizing the benefits of collaborative efforts involving multiple institutions working together to solve the challenges of cancer. Collaboration is the key."