The development of diagnostic tools that can predict the risk of cancer metastasis and improve treatment outcomes is crucial, because the earlier we detect, diagnose, and treat cancer, the higher the chance of survival. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in men and the metastasis, or the spread of cancer, is responsible for more than 90 per cent of prostate-related deaths.
The Alberta Prostate Cancer Research Initiative (APCaRI) brings together a multidisciplinary team of scientists, physicians and patients from across the province and beyond to work collaboratively to advance the management of prostate cancer. By overseeing the Alberta Prostate Cancer Registry and Biorepository - one of the largest prostate collections in the world - this team has access to a vast amount of data and samples. This can used to form the basis of all manners of prostate cancer research, including the creation of state-of-the-art diagnosis and screening technologies. For example, this team has created an accurate and non-invasive blood test which will help determine whether a patient requires a biopsy for further testing or whether they can avoid unnecessary treatments and clinical trials are already taking place.
Over the next five years, the APCaRI program will continue to utilize the data collected from their biorepository to further characterize Albertans who are most at risk for recurrent prostate cancer. They will then use this knowledge to develop leading-edge diagnostic tools that monitor disease progression and improve survival rates and quality of life for Albertans facing prostate cancer. This is real progress.
Join us in this transformational investment where we can make life better for Albertans facing cancer.
Without the support of Alberta Cancer Foundation donors, this kind of advanced screening would never have the opportunity to make it from the lab to the bedside of patients. - Dr. John Lewis, the Frank and Carla Sojonky Chair in Prostate Cancer Research