Breast Cancer Canada Translational Research Unit (BCC-TRU)
A PATHWAY TO PROGRESS
1998
The BCC-TRU* was created through a partnership between the London Regional Cancer Program (LRCP) and a $1 million donation from the Breast Cancer Society of Canada (BCSC)
The BCC-TRU* was originally named in honour of Pamela Greenaway Kohlmeier, who passed away from breast cancer at age 38
Dr. Ann Chambers is named as BCC-TRU* Director
2000
Recruitment of senior translational breast cancer scientist Dr. Eva Turley to LHSC, focusing on the factors contributing to breast cancer progression
2003
The BCC-TRU* Traineeship Program is established. This important program serves to train the next generation of breast cancer researchers
2006
Recruitment of junior translational breast cancer scientist, Dr. Alison Allan, who brings new research expertise in breast cancer metastasis and blood-based biomarkers to London
2010
Catalyst Grant Program created in partnership with LRCP and the Western Department of Oncology. This important program now funds two Catalyst Grants annually to breast cancer researchers across London
2014
BCC announces a major 10-year, $5 million commitment to the Unit, bringing total support to >$10.4 million
2019
Dr. Alison Allan is named as the new Director of the BCC-TRU* after Dr. Ann Chambers announces retirement
Recruitment of clinician-researcher Dr. Ana Lohmann and clinician-scientist Dr. Armen Parsyan with the goal of bringing lab findings to the clinic faster
2020
BCC commits to supporting the BCC-TRU* through to 2030
2022
The Unit is renamed as the Breast Cancer Canada Translational Research Unit (BCC-TRU) to reflect BCSC’s name change to Breast Cancer Canada (BCC)
LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
BCC-TRU researchers are moving into exciting new areas of investigation including population data analysis, genomics and artificial intelligence. By incorporating these “big data” approaches, the team hopes to continue progressing towards a cure for breast cancer. Leading the way Over the past 25 years, research in the BCC-TRU has focused on the understanding, prevention, tracking and treatment of metastasis, the deadliest aspect of breast cancer. Thanks to donor support, the BCC-TRU has served as the exemplar for how to engage basic scientists, clinicians and trainees together to carry out impactful, patient-focused cancer research.
LEADING THE WAY
Over the past 25 years, research in the BCC-TRU has focused on the understanding, prevention, tracking and treatment of metastasis, the deadliest aspect of breast cancer. Thanks to donor support, the BCC-TRU has served as the exemplar for how to engage basic scientists, clinicians and trainees together to carry out impactful, patient-focused cancer research.
BCC-TRU Director Dr. Alison Allan
Meet Dr. Alison Allan, a remarkable senior oncology scientist and director of the BCC-TRU. Dr. Allan’s research is focused on the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms influencing breast cancer development and metastasis, mainly concentrating on two areas:
- The first project seeks to understand why some patients with breast cancer develop lung metastasis. With this knowledge, the team aims to prevent breast cancer cells from spreading to the lungs.
- The second area of focus involves identifying the key characteristics of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in a patient’s blood and investigating how they contribute to breast cancer metastasis and respond to therapy. Dr. Allan and her research team are Canadian leaders in CTC analysis and technology development.
“Safe ideas aren’t the ones making breakthroughs in breast cancer research, especially when patients are anxiously waiting for life-saving treatment. Donors fuel these high-risk, high-reward ideas, working hand-in-hand with scientists to accelerate progress against this deadly disease.” – Dr. Alison Allan, BCC-TRU Director
Thanks to donor support, the BCC-TRU continues to provide extraordinary support to researchers for high-impact breast cancer research and education.
