As the breast cancer landscape evolves and we know more through research, it’s important that we diversify our funding in line with current needs. Right now, that looks like investing in the next generation of Canadian breast cancer specialists, partnering with industry stakeholders to co-fund research grants, and continuing financial support for research in precision oncology,” said Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada. “Through strategic partnerships and targeted funding, we are driving innovation and improving outcomes for the breast cancer patients of tomorrow.”
Precision Oncology Research Grants
Breast cancer researchers from across Canada were invited to submit projects in December 2024 for funding consideration. Breast Cancer Canada’s Scientific Advisory Committee awards funding across the spectrum of breast cancer research – from basic discovery studies to accelerating the translation of results into clinical practice.
The selected projects undergo a rigorous peer review process and focus on the four divisions of precision oncology research pillars: basic science, screening and detection, personalized treatment, and patient-reported outcomes.
The following are the selected grant recipient researchers for Breast Cancer Canada research funding:
| $75,000 | Dr. David Lim,
Women’s College Hospital |
Identifying a prognostic gene signature for invasive lobular breast carcinoma. |
| $50,000 | Dr. Saima Hassan Centre de Recherche de Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal |
Researching dissecting tumor and microenvironment influences in PARPi response in BRCA-mutant and BRCA-wild type breast cancer patients |
| $75,000 | Dr. Lisa Porter WE-SPARK Health Institute, University of Windsor |
Establishing a Biomarker Platform for Postpartum Breast Cancer |
| $50,000 | Dr. Ives Levesque McGill University |
Exploring the validation of FxMammo, AI Assistant for Breast Cancer Screening, in the Canadian Population |
| $75,000 | Dr. Rodney Ouelette Centre de Médecine de Précision du Nouveau Brunswick |
Exploring extracellular-vesicle-based liquid biopsy profiles in early-stage triple-negative breast (TNBC) cancer and their response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy |
| $50,000 | Dr. Mark Vincent London Health Sciences |
Evaluating small molecule RAD51 inhibitors |
| $75,000 | Dr. Caroline Hamm We-SPARK Health Institute Windsor Regional Hospital |
Assessing the effectiveness and implementation of the CTN program, using a navigator-assisted clinical trial enrollment platform |
| $50,000 | Dr. Edward Chow Sunnybrook Research Institute |
Preventing Radiation Dermatitis in Large-Breasted Patients: A Randomized Phase III Trial |
Breast Cancer Canada remains dedicated to progress through breast cancer research, advocacy for access to the best care, and elevating the patient voice to improve the lives of Canadians affected by breast cancer. Through strategic investments and collaborative partnerships, we continue to be a leader to drive progress so that the more we know, the sooner we can end breast cancer.
To know more about how Breast Cancer Canada powers progress through research, visit: breastcancerprogress.ca/progress-and-research/.
