Cancer Research

News

	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded $3.9M from BioCanRx to develop new cancer immunotherapies April 9, 2025 - Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital have been awarded $3.9 million from BioCanRx to develop cutting-edge biotherapeutics that harness the immune system to fight cancer.
	Synthetic biology startup raises US$ 2M March 14, 2025 - Esphera SynBio, a startup company founded by researchers at The Ottawa Hospital/University of Ottawa and McMaster University, has secured US$ 2 million in seed funding to support the development of personalized cancer vaccines.
	Network offers molecular testing of biliary tract cancers across Canada March 5, 2025 - People across Canada with biliary tract cancers (cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder), now have access to molecular testing to help them find treatments and clinical trials that are more likely to work against their cancer.
	ELEVATE seed grants help researchers at The Ottawa Hospital launch new ideas and collaborations March 3, 2025 - The grants, worth a total of $198,000, will advance research on muscle disease, stroke, ovarian cancer and scleroderma.
	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 16 CIHR grants worth more than $8 million February 3, 2025 - Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital are leading 16 new projects funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) through the most recent operating grant competition.
	Researchers create tiny “mobile pharmacy” to fight cancer December 6, 2024 - Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital, the University of Ottawa and Université de Sherbrooke Cancer Research Institute (IRCUS) have developed a novel approach to create tiny “mobile pharmacies” that can get inside tumours and dispense ...
	Hormone therapy after prostate cancer surgery improves survival for some patients November 27, 2024 - “These results suggest that some patients should be offered hormone therapy after surgery based on how likely it is that their cancer will spread."
	New solutions needed to reduce blood loss during bladder removal surgery November 5, 2024 - "This study proves that routine use of tranexamic acid is not effective, so we need to explore other options."
	The Ottawa Hospital’s Dr. Rebecca Auer named as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women October 30, 2024 - Dr. Rebecca Auer, is being recognized by WXN (Women’s Executive Network) as a “Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winner.”
	Drug shows promise for treating cancer-related weight loss October 9, 2024 - “Weight loss caused by cancer can be dangerous and frustrating for patients. This trial offers hope that a new solution may be on the horizon."

2024
September 26, 2024 -	Tumour engineering could provide a powerful new approach to make more cancer patients eligible for targeted immunotherapies
September 20, 2024 -	Earlier use of bone-strengthening agents could benefit people with prostate cancer
September 4, 2024 -	Dr. John Bell awarded Lifetime Contribution Prize from the Canadian Cancer Society
July 18, 2024 -	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 14 CIHR grants worth more than $10 million
July 5, 2024 -	New research reveals how immunotherapy drugs and viruses can work together to kill cancer cells
June 18, 2024 -	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded three grants for high risk, high reward and interdisciplinary research
May 6, 2024 -	The Ottawa Hospital’s new campus to become a hub for biotherapeutics research and manufacturing thanks to $59M grant
April 26, 2024 -	Breast cancer rates rising among Canadian women in their 20s, 30s and 40s
April 2, 2024 -	The Ottawa Hospital appoints new leader for research and innovation
February 23, 2024 -	Reinvigorating immunotherapy: clinical trial provides new hope for lung cancer patients
February 21, 2024 -	ELEVATE seed grants to help researchers at The Ottawa Hospital improve treatment for inflammatory and immune conditions
February 14, 2024 -	MS drug boosts cancer-fighting virus in lab models
February 14, 2024 -	Researchers develop “field guide” to 22 ovarian cancer mouse models
January 26, 2024 -	New scientist profile: Dr. David Cook surveys cellular diversity in ovarian cancer to find better treatments
January 4, 2024 -	Immunotherapy improves survival with mesothelioma lung cancer
2023
December 15, 2023 -	A promising treatment for terminal cancer patients may be just the beginning
December 15, 2023 -	A passion for medicine sparked by a grandmother and Star Trek
November 9, 2023 -	Catching cancer at its sneakiest moment
November 2, 2023 -	Beyond the spike: novel COVID vaccine candidate targets 7 viral proteins for strong immune response
October 26, 2023 -	Capturing immunotherapy response in a blood drop
October 13, 2023 -	Clinical trial drug could boost cancer-fighting viruses
September 18, 2023 -	Meet Dr. Natasha Kekre, The Ottawa Hospital’s new Research Chair in Advanced Stem Cell Therapy
August 18, 2023 -	Ottawa scientist spearheads groundbreaking cancer treatments
August 4, 2023 -	Breast cancer screening before age 50 linked with better survival
July 21, 2023 -	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 13 CIHR grants worth more than $7 million
June 2, 2023 -	Next-generation cancer-fighting viruses could be fine-tuned with a pill
May 26, 2023 -	2,000 Ottawa participants recruited to breast cancer screening study
April 18, 2023 -	Greener lab research: our cancer researchers are leading the way
April 13, 2023 -	Bringing cellular immunotherapy to solid tumours: made-in-Canada approach to be pioneered in biliary tract cancers thanks to $7.4M grant
April 5, 2023 -	From a project to a platform: A new and less expensive way to deliver immunotherapy
April 2, 2023 -	Stem cell treatment banishes disease for MS patient
April 2, 2023 -	After 18 years with MS—“I really feel like I’m cured.”
March 15, 2023 -	Dr. Natasha Kekre wins national recognition for early career success
February 16, 2023 -	Potential colorectal cancer treatment combines immunotherapy and viral therapy in a powerful new way
February 3, 2023 -	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 15 CIHR grants worth more than $8.4 million
February 1, 2023 -	ELEVATE seed grants to help researchers at The Ottawa Hospital develop better treatments and improve patient care
January 26, 2023 -	Meet Dr. Natasha Kekre
January 19, 2023 -	Made-in-Canada approach enhancing access to groundbreaking CAR-T cancer therapy
January 11, 2023 -	Outside-the-box thinking saves young man with colorectal cancer
January 11, 2023 -	People with lived experience of cancer are bringing crucial insights to studies
January 11, 2023 -	CAR-T clinical trial provides ‘one last shot’ for leukemia patient
2022
December 8, 2022 -	Canadian-Led Immunotherapies in Cancer (CLIC) program inspires innovative CAR-T trial in Denmark
November 15, 2022 -	Cannabis smokers show higher rates of emphysema, airway diseases than cigarette smokers
November 2, 2022 -	Fireflies help researcher shine a light on COVID-19
October 20, 2022 -	Bench to bedside: the quest to prevent cancer from coming back after surgery
October 13, 2022 -	Novel DNA-targeting drug shows activity in patients with breast, ovarian cancer
October 5, 2022 -	Tweaking the ovary’s immune system may help prevent ovarian cancer
October 5, 2022 -	New scientist profile: Dr. Nicola Schieda aims to improve imaging diagnosis of prostate, kidney cancers
October 4, 2022 -	A conversation with stem cell pioneer Dr. Harold Atkins
September 1, 2022 -	Arginine supplement prevents cancer spread after surgery in mice, but more research in humans is required
September 1, 2022 -	MS stem cell transplant gives priceless second chance
August 18, 2022 -	Anti-fungal drug shows promise against COVID-19 in lab studies
August 10, 2022 -	Study shows annual screening before age 50 leads to lower proportions of advanced breast cancer
July 20, 2022 -	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded 19 CIHR grants worth more than $12 million
June 17, 2022 -	First made-in-Canada CAR-T cell therapy for cancer shows promise in clinical trial
April 29, 2022 -	Ottawa researchers recognized with international awards for reproductive biology and health
April 13, 2022 -	Kiss of sleep: how blood cancer cells put the immune system’s Natural Killer cells to sleep
April 7, 2022 -	Cancer-fighting viruses soften up their victims before attacking
April 4, 2022 -	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded five grants for high risk, high reward and interdisciplinary research
March 18, 2022 -	A “smorgasbord” of cancer research, treatment, and life philosophy
March 16, 2022 -	Advancing personalized medicine for breast cancer
January 28, 2022 -	Personalized anti-cancer vaccine shows promise in mice
January 27, 2022 -	Harnessing tumour diversity could improve cancer treatment
January 10, 2022 -	First made-in-Canada CAR-T therapy gives lymphoma patient a third chance
2021
December 17, 2021 -	Cancer clinical trial receives international award from patient-led group
December 13, 2021 -	Made-in-Ottawa vaccine could help in global fight against COVID-19, including new variants
December 9, 2021 -	A patient’s dying wish to move medical science forward
November 23, 2021 -	New commentary finds flaws in study that shaped current breast cancer screening guidelines
November 19, 2021 -	Medicine’s future: living drugs
October 4, 2021 -	Startup company Virica Biotech aims to enhance production of viral medicines
August 17, 2021 -	50 ways to repair an ovary? Study suggests multiple pathways can create stem-like ovarian cells
August 10, 2021 -	Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital awarded eight grants worth $5 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
August 9, 2021 -	Researchers work towards the development of targeted therapies for ovarian cancer
July 20, 2021 -	Canadian study finds fewer breast cancers diagnosed between screens when women with dense breasts are offered more frequent mammograms
July 15, 2021 -	How well do COVID-19 vaccines work in people with cancer, immune conditions and other populations of interest?
July 15, 2021 -	How well do COVID-19 vaccines work in people with cancer?
June 23, 2021 -	Treatment while waiting for surgery for breast cancer - can it improve surgical outcomes?
June 4, 2021 -	Researchers honoured for outstanding work in anesthesiology, blood disease and cancer
June 1, 2021 -	BRCA mutated pancreatic cancer: A change is coming
May 25, 2021 -	Biotherapeutics: the future of medicine
May 19, 2021 -	Hold the ice: study shows no benefit during kidney cancer surgery
May 12, 2021 -	Harnessing artificial intelligence and nanophotonics to fight ovarian cancer
April 29, 2021 -	Cancer clinical trial team and investigator receive major national honours
April 22, 2021 -	Experts on call: Stem cells, gene therapy and biotherapeutics
April 15, 2021 -	Personalized approach reduces nausea in breast cancer patients
April 5, 2021 -	Translational research grant could help to develop new immunotherapies for leukemia
March 3, 2021 -	Cancer team awarded $5M for cell-based immunotherapy research
February 25, 2021 -	One small step for blood cancer patients, one giant step for Canadian cancer patients of all stripes
2020
December 9, 2020 -	World-first clinical trial aims to protect cancer patients from COVID-19
December 3, 2020 -	Breast cancer patients benefit from Ottawa-based study
November 28, 2020 -	Bone-modulating drugs can be given less often during cancer treatment, reducing side-effects and saving time and money
November 21, 2020 -	Vaccines and viral immunotherapies: unique Canadian program provides training to manufacture biotherapeutics
November 6, 2020 -	$1M grant to support manufacturing of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines at The Ottawa Hospital and uOttawa
October 15, 2020 -	Fewer hospital visits, safer care, less cost: study changing breast cancer treatment around the world
October 9, 2020 -	From “what if” to “what is”
October 1, 2020 -	Unexpected breast cancer diagnosis leads patient down an uncertain path
September 22, 2020 -	The Ottawa Hospital and uOttawa launch new cancer immunotherapy research projects with funding from BioCanRx
September 8, 2020 -	Canadian study compares COVID-19 spit test to traditional swab test
September 7, 2020 -	The Ottawa Hospital awarded six CIHR grants worth $2.6 million
August 26, 2020 -	Virus and targeted drug synergize to fight cancer in mice
July 8, 2020 -	Protecting cancer patients from COVID-19
June 25, 2020 -	Harnessing cancer-fighting viruses to develop a COVID-19 vaccine
June 25, 2020 -	The Ottawa Hospital awarded $4.7 million for COVID-19 research from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
May 21, 2020 -	COVID-19 research on cell therapy, drug screening and marginalized populations funded through Ontario’s Rapid Research Fund
May 8, 2020 -	COVID-19 research moving at ‘lightning speed’, thanks to generous community support
April 29, 2020 -	Researchers and research staff honoured for outstanding work in cancer clinical trials, emergency medicine, cell sorting and tissue collection
April 28, 2020 -	Cancer-killing viruses provide inspiration for COVID-19 vaccine
April 2, 2020 -	Researchers join the fight against COVID-19
March 4, 2020 -	Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden wins uOttawa Award for Excellence in Research
February 20, 2020 -	Could biotherapeutics be the next revolution in cancer treatment?
February 20, 2020 -	Margaret's Gift
January 23, 2020 -	Prostate cancer study means more flexible treatment options for patients
2019
December 3, 2019 -	How often should an incurable cancer be scanned? New evidence-based method shows the way
October 9, 2019 -	“Wild idea” opens possible new frontier for preventing ovarian cancer
September 27, 2019 -	Ottawa a “hotbed of patient partnerships in research”
September 26, 2019 -	From surgery to discovery: innovative tissue collection process to fuel breakthroughs
August 14, 2019 -	The promise of CAR-T therapy for cancer: meta-analysis shows the big picture
July 26, 2019 -	The Ottawa Hospital awarded 13 grants worth $11.2 million from Canadian Institutes of Health Research
July 8, 2019 -	Researchers discover new kind of brain tumour
May 29, 2019 -	Researchers get $745,000 boost from NSERC
May 17, 2019 -	$950,000 to help develop stem cell treatments for septic shock, lung injury and muscle degeneration
May 16, 2019 -	Clinical trials offer strong foundation for better patient care
May 1, 2019 -	Precision medicine approach for leukemia awarded $1.5M
April 15, 2019 -	Dr. John Bell wins public and patient engagement award
April 12, 2019 -	Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden receives international award for mentoring the scientists of tomorrow
March 22, 2019 -	Clinicians at The Ottawa Hospital launch 14 innovative projects to improve health-care delivery, thanks to funding from TOHAMO and The Ottawa Hospital’s Research Institute
March 13, 2019 -	Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recommended as a standard of care for certain kinds of MS in the U.S.
March 1, 2019 -	Patients and clinical trial experts key to upcoming made-in-Canada CAR-T clinical trial
February 14, 2019 -	Researchers to advance science and improve health with new CIHR funding
February 4, 2019 -	Every day was a gift for Jillian O’Connor
January 11, 2019 -	Award-winning immunology research shows how cancer surgery paralyzes part of the immune system
2018
November 21, 2018 -	Researchers get $788,000 boost from NSERC
October 22, 2018 -	New drug combination destroys chemo-resistant blood cancer
September 10, 2018 -	Often-overlooked Natural Killer cells may be key to cancer immunotherapy
August 30, 2018 -	Radioactive seeds for breast cancer surgery: better for patients and the health-care system
August 16, 2018 -	Using stem cells to treat brain cancer: pilot study highlights potential new approach
July 11, 2018 -	Estrogen and ovarian cancer: study provides first molecular link
July 11, 2018 -	Researchers uncover possible new mechanism to enhance cancer-killing viruses
June 7, 2018 -	Top Research Papers from The Ottawa Hospital 2015-2017
May 3, 2018 -	Economics professor cancer-free after immunotherapy trial for skin cancer
2017
February 23, 2017 -	Could old drugs target lung cancer in a new way?
February 23, 2017 -	New approach to clinical trials could revolutionize cancer care
2016
September 7, 2016 -	Immediate hormone therapy for prostate cancer is better than delayed: study
2015
September 30, 2015 -	Virus vs. Prostate Cancer: Canadian Researchers Pioneer Next-generation Therapy -- Prostate Cancer Canada and the Movember Foundation partner to make innovative work possible
2014
August 25, 2014 -	Researchers in Ottawa achieve breakthrough with rare disease: Stem cells used to send “stiff person syndrome” into long-term remission
April 2, 2014 -	$1.2M to advance the treatment of pancreatic cancer