Patient-centred research funded

Two unique patient-centred research projects at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry have just received a major funding boost.

PROMISE (Patient-centred research on occult metastasis: Innovative Scientific Evaluation) a pilot study led by Dr. Alison Allan, associate professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology has received funding of $103,000 for one year. The ability to detect and characterize hidden or "occult" metastatic disease (secondary tumours) in cancer patients is currently one of the most pressing needs in clinical oncology. The pilot study will test the paradigm that a combination of correlative biomarker approaches will help personalize treatment for patients at high risk of developing metastasis. Thirty patients with Stage III breast, lung, or colorectal cancer will be recruited to the study. The funding is supported through the Schulich Research Grant Competition.

Dr. Doug Fraser, associate professor, Paediatrics and his team received $301,000 for a period of two years to support a project entitled "London's Sport Concussion Program: a patient centred program to uncover a signature of cognitive, imaging and molecular changes that signify state of recovery and prognosis after sports related concussion." The project will focus its work in the area of sports related concussions , of which a portion will also support the Paediatric Concussion Study. The funding was received through the Schulich Dean's Research Grant recognizing innovation.