|
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
Conquering Breast Cancer
Elite Team at The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
Dr. Tak Mak, Director |
An elite team of researchers, scientists and staff are working together to turn research into dramatic breast cancer breakthroughs at The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research at Princess Margaret Hospital.
They are applying what they already know about how cancer grows to advance breast cancer research. The focus is on directing research into areas targeting genes to fight the disease, developing new treatments and conducting clinical trials. This will lead to the development of new drugs and therapies that are more effective, less harmful and can increase a patient's quality and length of life.
In 2006, their work was further supported by the Campbell family, which provided the second $5 million installment toward their $25 million gift. The Weekend to End Breast Cancer event proceeds provided another $5 million grant that is part of a five-year commitment to the Institute. Event proceeds of $3 million established The Weekend to End Breast Cancer Chair in Breast Cancer Research with the Institute director, Dr. Tak Mak, as the inaugural chairholder. (View Dr. Mak video, www.campbellfamilyinstitute.com)
At the Institute, more than 100 researchers and staff are directed by the internationally renowned Dr. Tak Mak. During the year, Dr. Mak was elected as a full honorary member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. He was also honoured by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Ontario Cancer Research Network as one of the four top Canadian scientists for his contributions to cancer research.
|
|
|
 |
|
Hope was the theme of a special tribute event to thank the Campbell family for their visionary support and transformational $25 million gift to breast cancer research at Princess Margaret Hospital.
“Their gift has created our best chance to conquer breast cancer in this country and has provided hope to millions of mothers, sisters and daughters around the world.”
Dr. Tak Mak, Director,
The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
Another Clue to Cancer Puzzle
Drs. Tak Mak and Rama Khokha of The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research and Ontario Cancer Institute at Princess Margaret Hospital have discovered that the molecular switch RhoC is crucial for tumor metastasis – the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another.
The researchers found that in subjects lacking RhoC, cancer cells are less likely to spread, as they are smaller, less mobile and fewer in number than cancer cells from normal subjects.
“Notably, the absence of RhoC in subjects does not affect other normal cell functions or immune responses,” says Dr. Mak. “This implies that the RhoC pathway may be a suitable target for cancer therapies.” |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
Walkers Raise $12.1 Million for Research, Patient Care
The Weekend to End Breast Cancer (WEBC) benefiting Princess Margaret Hospital just keeps getting bigger and better. In September, 4,889 participants in the third annual event raised net proceeds of $12.1 million to continue to advance breast cancer research and improve clinical care programs. (www.endcancer.ca)
Highlights of support:
 |
$5 million to The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research (grant of $25 million over five years) |
|
$3 million for The Weekend to End Breast Cancer Chair in Breast Cancer Research with Dr. Tak Mak as the inaugural chair holder |
|
$2 million for equipment for specialized protein analysis in breast cancer research |
|
$500,000 to test new chemotherapy drugs and other combinations in clinical trials |
|
$490,000 to provide reconstructive surgery for breast cancer patients |
|
$400,000 to collect breast cancer data and tumor tissue samples used in research |
Fundraising proceeds from the two-day, 60-km walking event are transforming the hospital's delivery of treatment and care. Notably, the revamped M. Lau Breast Centre, scheduled to open in August 2006, which will integrate all functions and programs. This will be home to The Weekend to End Breast Cancer Survivorship Centre, an oasis of support and meeting place for women who have had breast cancer, their friends and families.
WEBC proceeds also support The Breast Cancer Survivorship Program at the hospital, which includes a virtual learning centre for the Survivorship community at www.survivorship.ca. |
|
| |
|
|
|