NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
January 23, 2009
ONTARIO LEADING FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER
McGuinty Government Supporting New Approach To Early Detection
NEWS
Ontario has been chosen to lead the development and evaluation of new technologies for detecting breast cancer.
Hamilton was selected by GE Healthcare to be the first site in the world to receive new prototype technologies for use in a molecular breast imaging research program. Hamilton researchers will design and lead clinical trials to evaluate new technologies which use molecular imaging probes that target breast cancer. This cutting-edge strategy has the potential to find very small tumours, leading to early intervention. Trials will be geared towards high-risk women who are not currently well served by mammography.
GE Healthcare chose Hamilton because of the strong partnership among the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research , the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization , and the Oncology and Nuclear Medicine programs at McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences.
The Ministry of Research and Innovation has committed almost $435 million since 2003 to support the world-leading work of these institutions, and is contributing $450,000 toward the project through the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research.
QUOTES
“The scientific breakthroughs we make here will help Ontario families – and millions of people around the world – to live better, healthier, longer lives,” said Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson.
“Our goal is for cancer to be diagnosed at the earliest stage. These technologies may have a significant impact on care for high-risk patients whose tiny tumours cannot be seen by mammography. We hope this will lead to earlier detection, better treatment and ultimately, save lives,” said Dr. Tom Hudson, President and Scientific Director, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research.
“The opening of the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization (CPDC) in Hamilton has resulted in a link between government, researchers, healthcare providers and industry. The CPDC and its partners are working to develop and evaluate cutting edge technologies, which may have the potential to detect and diagnose diseases like cancer earlier and with greater accuracy than is now possible,” said Dr. John Valliant, CEO and Scientific Director.
QUICK FACTS
- Each year in Ontario, 8,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer.
- According to the Mayo Clinic, when localized breast cancer is caught at an early stage, the survival rate is 98 per cent.
- Ontario is the largest hub of life sciences activity in Canada and the fourth largest biomedical research centre in North America.
LEARN MORE
Find out more about the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research.
Find out more about Ontario’s Innovation Agenda.
See also:
- Backgrounder: Global Leadership In The Fight Against Breast Cancer
- Backgrounder: Support For New Breast Imaging Technology Coming To Ontario
- Video: Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
- For the Media: B-roll of cancer research happening at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR)
Podcasts:
| Listen to Tom Hudson, president and scientific director, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research | |
| “The investments and commitment to move cutting-edge research through to commercial viability are not only necessary, but very much appreciated by industry.” Peter Robertson, general manager, GE Healthcare |
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| “In order to materialize hope and promise, we need advances in research and technology, and that’s what brings us here today.” Peter George, president, McMaster University |
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| “We take Canadian raw materials; we convert them into value-added products, which help spur-on economic growth and better health.” John Valliant, scientific director and CEO, Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization Remarks made during event to announce that Ontario has been chosen to lead the development and evaluation of new technologies for detecting breast cancer. |
