Acute leukemia remains a devastating disease, especially in adults, with survival rates below 50%. Even for children, where rates are higher, intense chemotherapy often leads to long-term health challenges. The urgency to understand the molecular intricacies of leukemia cells, particularly their differences from normal hematopoietic cells, is paramount.
Founded in 1981, Terry Fox New Frontiers Program Project Grants (PPG), a prestigious initiative that brings together top-tier cancer researchers across Canada, support collaborative teams in exploring groundbreaking advancements in cancer research, aiming to foster innovations that could revolutionize cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Our multidisciplinary team, Led by Dr. Aly Karsan and bolstered by recent additions of 2 new Investigators, has made crucial discoveries highlighting the epigenome's pivotal role in leukemic cell diversity and therapy responses. Our team is planning to leverage the recent findings to develop innovative strategies for controlling the expansion and evolution of leukemia cells. The program's overarching goal is to improve leukemia patient outcomes. Led by a collaborative team of clinical and basic scientists, including recent additions of 2 TFRI New Investigators, the PPG is centered on uncovering the complexities of leukemic cells compared to normal hematopoietic cells.
Our commitment extends beyond research: we aim to pioneer new, less toxic treatments, develop technologies, train future scientists, and foster collaboration. Together, we strive to uncover mechanisms, devise effective strategies, and make tangible impacts in leukemia treatment.