VICTORIA, BC – The creation of the Tumour Tissue Repository (TTR), a unique resource that will revolutionize the way scientists are able to study and treat cancer, was announced today by Allan Rock, Minister of Industry; Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development);   Dr. Brian Weinerman, Regional Vice-President of the BC Cancer Agency – Vancouver Island; and Jim Dao, President and CEO of Genyous Life Sciences Ltd.

Funding for the new repository lab, located at the BC Cancer Agency in Victoria, includes a $1.8 million contribution from Western Economic Diversification Canada; $1.6 million from Genyous Life Sciences Ltd.; and a $1.6 million contribution from the BC Cancer Foundation. 

“The Government of Canada has a national strategy to build a more innovative Canada - - resulting in jobs, growth and a higher quality of life for all Canadians,” said Mr. Rock. “The establishment of the Tumour Tissue Repository represents potential benefits for long-term improvements in health and quality of life, and the generation of new industrial sectors in biotechnology.”

“A key to innovation is research, which yields new knowledge and creates new opportunities,” said Mr. Owen. "Investing in research and knowledge such as the Tumour Tissue Repository means economic growth as well as prosperity for British Columbia and for Canada.”

Vancouver Island’s TTR is the first research resource of its kind in Canada. Every person in British Columbia diagnosed with cancer receives standardized care through BCCA, including comprehensive screening, treatment, and follow-up programs.  These treatments and outcomes have been recorded in the Agency’s databank for five decades, offering a wealth of information to researchers such as the important combination of tumour tissue samples, genetic material, and a bioinformatics/health databank on tumour history and treatment.  By early 2003, the TTR will be ready to provide materials and research data to scientists around the globe.

“The benefit for cancer patients could be enormous,” said Dr. Weinerman.  “We will be able to look at an individual’s family health history, genetics, and their type of tumour, and customize a treatment for the best possible outcome.”

BC Cancer Agency researchers believe the availability of tissue, and clinical data related to the tissue, will allow scientists to identify the link between genetic variables, tumour types, and treatment outcomes.  In the future, this could lead to the creation of new drugs and therapies to combat cancer, and help scientists and oncologists predict which treatments will be most effective for a given patient.

“We now have the framework and the tools to use genome science in the field of cancer research,” said Dr. Victor Ling, director of the BCCA’s Research Centre.  “We will be able to look at the entire population of B.C. to see how genetic variables influence the outcome of cancer treatment.  Making tissue and data available to scientists world-wide encourages the very best research, which will ultimately benefit all Canadians.”

A private-sector partner, Genyous Life Sciences, is assisting the BC Cancer Agency to develop the TTR’s technology and operations.  “Since July 2000, BCCA and Genyous Life Sciences have shared a vision and developed the strategy, technical design, and funding for the creation of BCCA’s new Tumour Tissue Repository,” said Mr. Dao.  “Genyous looks forward to its continuing partnership with BCCA to expand the TTR into a valuable biotechnology and life sciences resource for Canada and the world.”

For more information, please contact:
Nicole Adams
Public Relations Officer
BC Cancer Agency
(604) 877-6272