Understanding why non-smokers develop lung cancer among research projects funded by Canadian Cancer Society

May 6 2009

A new BC-based study aimed at understanding the genetic basis of lung cancer in people who have never smoked is being funded for approximately $379,000 by the Canadian Cancer Society.

Seven new British Columbian grants were awarded to outstanding, top-ranking researchers at the BC Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria. These researchers are undertaking promising studies in a wide variety of cancer research projects. The combined total investment in seven new and twenty-three continuing grants in BC is approximately $23 million.

"A better understanding of the genetic changes that leads to the development of lung cancer in Dr Lam's project may reveal opportunities for earlier diagnosis and intervention in both non-smokers and smokers," said Barbara Kaminsky, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon Division. "With the terrible outcomes in lung cancer patients, we must discover better ways of helping these people survive and hopefully thrive."

The other new BC based projects focus on better methods to improve the detection of cancers earlier and to find more effective, less harmful treatments.

"Funding outstanding research has always been an important part of the Canadian Cancer Society's strategy to eradicate cancer and improve the lives of people living with cancer. While there has been great progress over the years, some types of cancer are proving to be very challenging," says Kaminsky. "British Columbians may not be aware that important, world class research is taking place here that were made possible by donations from our generous supporters."

The Canadian Cancer Society is the largest national charitable funder of cancer research in Canada. In total approximately $33 million has been newly invested in 71 outstanding projects throughout the country. The grants were selected after a rigorous national application and review process.

The new BC grants are:

Dr. Wan Lam, BC Cancer Agency (Vancouver)

Dr Lam and his team will study the genes and genetic mutations involved in the development of lung cancer in people who do not smoke - a group that represents an increasing proportion of lung cancer sufferers. Using a new type of computer software that they developed, Dr. Lam and his team will compare the genetic profile of tumours in smokers and non-smokers to identify if there are different genes mutated in non-smoker lung cancers.

A/Prof David Perrin, University of British Columbia

Dr. Perrin's lab is working to create even better PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography) images through development of a new radioactive drug that is easier to produce and is detected by the scan after being injected into the patient and travelling to cancer sites.

Dr. Catherine Poh, University of British Columbia

Dr. Poh is doing the first study into the use of a new hand-held optical tool in the identification of high-risk, pre-cancerous lesions in the mouth during exploratory surgery. It is hoped that this tool could lead to earlier diagnosis, a drop in deaths and a reduction of cancer recurrence.

Dr. Jeremy Wulff, University of Victoria

Dr. Wulff's research team is developing new molecules that interfere with two proteins known to contribute to pancreatic cancer. Research has already suggested that this treatment could work together with another existing pancreatic cancer therapy to kill off the tumour without dangerous side-effects for the patient.

Dr. Haishan Zeng, BC Cancer Agency (Vancouver)

In collaboration with Dr. Stephen Lam, Dr. Zeng will conduct a clinical study of accuracy and usefulness of laser technology they developed to detect early signs of lung cancer. It is hoped that this diagnostic device may push the current detection rate of 67% to higher than 90% for the new probe.

Dr. Christopher Overall, University of British Columbia

Proteases - enzymes that act as a handy molecular knife, cutting proteins to their right sizes - are thrown into imbalance and changed function when there is cancer. Dr. Overall's team has developed a sophisticated new technique called degradomics to study tumour samples and see which proteases are present, the proteins they target and which ones are best suited to drug treatments without major harm to the rest of the body.

Dr. Alan So, University of British Columbia

Dr. So's lab has already seen promising results in mice from the use of two special viruses - VSV and AV3 - to treat "superficial" bladder cancer. This study will examine the safety and effectiveness of the treatment, including how well the treatment virus is able to penetrate tumour cells while leaving normal cells undisturbed.

For a complete list of the new Canadian Cancer Society-funded research grants across the country, visit Cancer Research pages on www.cancer.ca.