celebrating 25 years of the breast cancer canada translational research unit (bcc-tru)
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dr. alison allan’s research is focused on the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms influencing breast cancer development and metastasis.
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breast cancer canada is proud to be celebrating 25 years of the breast cancer canada translational research unit (bcc-tru).
alongside the london health sciences, the bcc-tru has made groundbreaking discoveries and extraordinary progress that has defined our mission for a quarter century.
join us on a brief journey through the remarkable timeline of the breast cancer canada translational research unit (bcc-tru).
a pathway to progress: bcc-tru milestones
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 over $10.4 million
2018
- dr. alison allan is named as the new director of the bcc-tru* after dr. ann chambers announces retirement
2019
- recruitment of clinician-researcher dr. ana lohmann and clinician-scientist dr. armen parsyan with the goal of bringing lab findings to the clinic faster
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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 rebrand 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.
research spotlight
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 metastasis. with this knowledge, the team aims to prevent breast cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body.
- 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.
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“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
with your support, we can know more about breast cancer. and that helps us detect it earlier — and treat it better for patients across the country.
you can unleash the future of personalized breast cancer care. donate today at: breastcancerprogress.ca/donate
this article was originally published may 2024.
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