• Determination of Factors Predictive of Outcome for Patients Undergoing Surgical Management of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (Dr. S. Chung)

The overall objective of this proposal is to examine the outcomes for patients undergoing pancreatic resections at the University of British Columbia. From this data, we aim to determine if there are variables that may lead to favorable or unfavorable outcomes. Using these variables, we hope to improve the overall survival of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinomas by development of guidelines for surgical intervention, and identification of areas for productive translational research.

• Does Delay in Referral of Patients with Sarcoma Affect their Amputation and Survival Rates? (Dr. P. Clarkson)

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effect that delay in referral of patients with sarcoma has on their outcomes, specifically survival and tumour recurrence. The ultimate goal of this study is to improve care for sarcoma patients in BC by making recommendations to external physicians for referring patients to the BC Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Clinic at the BCCA Vancouver Centre. The secondary objective of this study is to determine whether interventions prior to referral affect survival, tumour recurrence or the rate of amputation.

• Follow-up of Patients with Stage II and Stage III Colorectal Cancer in British Columbia after Curative Resection (Drs. C. Brown and M. Recsky)

The primary objective of the study is to assess the completeness of follow-up of patients with stage II and III colorectal cancer following curative resection in BC.

• Is there an Association between Timing of Referral to a Tertiary Care Centre and Local Recurrence in Primary Retroperitoneal Sarcoma and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor? (Drs. R. Cheifetz, S. Merchant and M. Knowling)

The study would like to quantify the benefits associated with a multidisciplinary approach at a tertiary care centre to management of patients with primary retroperitoneal sarcoma (PRS) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), with respect to local recurrence of disease.

• Comparison of Ovarian Cancer Outcomes Across British Columbia (Dr. J. Kwon, C. McGahan, Dr. U. Dehaeck, J. Santos and Dr. K. Swenerton)

The objectives of this project are to evaluate patient demographics, tumour factors, and treatment practices relating to ovarian cancer across the 5 health authority regions of British Columbia, and to determine which of these factors may be associated with the higher mortality rate on the Island.