Exceptional contributions to cancer research recognized at Canadian Cancer Research Conference

TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (CCRA) announced today the recipients of its biennial awards which recognize significant contributions to cancer research in Canada.

"These awards demonstrate CCRA's continuing recognition of excellence in cancer research," says Dr. Sara Urowitz, Executive Director of CCRA. "We take this opportunity to showcase these achievements during our biennial scientific conference so that these awardees can be honoured in the presence of their peers and can serve as a source of inspiration for our new investigators and trainees."

There are six recipients this year, with two in a new award category recognizing exceptional leadership in patient involvement in cancer research.

Dr. Elizabeth Eisenhauer receives the award for Exceptional Leadership in Cancer Research for her work as a clinician-researcher and her national leadership roles—President of the National Cancer Institute of Canada, Expert Lead, Research at the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and Co-chair of the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance—demonstrating her long-standing commitment to enhancing the coordination and quality of cancer research in Canada in order to improve the lives of cancer patients.

Dr. John Bell receives the award for Outstanding Achievements in Cancer Research for his pioneering work and ground-breaking scientific discoveries, which have propelled the entire field of oncolytic virus therapy forward, and his commitment to enabling translational research through his roles as founder of the Canadian Oncolytic Virus Consortium, Scientific Director of BioCanRx, and Director of the Biotherapeutics Program for the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research.

Dr. Marco Marra receives the award for Outstanding Achievements in Cancer Research for his fundamental contributions to the understanding of the role of genetic alterations in promoting cancer progression, and in translating these insights for the benefit of patients. His research has used massively parallel sequencing technologies and informatics tools to characterize tumours from patients and this work has led to the discovery of new cancer associated mutations, candidate biomarkers, and new therapeutic targets.

Dr. Eduardo Franco receives the award for Distinguished Service to Cancer Research for his significant role in cancer prevention by generating critical scientific evidence for the HPV vaccine and actively promoting the adoption of HPV vaccination across Canada, his research and advocacy for cost-effective cervical cancer prevention approaches in low- and middle-income countries, and his proponency of appropriate peer-review and editorial oversight to ensure the publication of quality cancer research.

Dr. Michael Jewett receives the award for Exceptional Leadership in Patient Involvement in Cancer Research for his long-standing commitment to and advocacy for greater patient involvement in clinical research prioritization, research proposals, funding decisions, research design, and patient-relevant outcome measures, and his championing of patient-led charities as a mechanism to elevate the role of the patient voice in cancer care and research.

Ms. Judy Needham receives the award for Exceptional Leadership in Patient Involvement in Cancer Research for her passionate and long-standing commitment to improving outcomes for cancer patients through the development of patient treatment navigation tools and direct engagement of patients in the development of research clinical trial questions, protocols, and patient materials to ensure that the patient perspective is integrated through the research lifecycle.

"These awards are our way to acknowledge the exceptional contributions made by these individuals," says Dr. Stephen Robbins, Chair of the CCRA. "We are proud to highlight their achievements and the impact they have had on cancer research and the cancer research community. The new award to recognize exceptional leadership in patient involvement in cancer research represents CCRA's commitment to patient-oriented research."

The awards will be presented during the CCRA's Canadian Cancer Research Conference held in Vancouver from November 5-7, 2017. For more information about the conference, see http://conference.ccra-acrc.ca/.

Dr. Elizabeth A. Eisenhauer, MD, FRCPC, Kingston, ON: A clinician-scientist, Dr. Elizabeth Eisenhauer was the Director of the Investigational New Drug Program for the Canadian Cancer Trials Group from 1982 to 2012. Her work fundamentally changed clinical practice worldwide through the introduction of innovative trial methodologies and endpoints and her emphasis on the benefits of team science and timely adoption of evidence-based medicine. From 2006 to 2017, she assumed several national leadership roles—President of the National Cancer Institute of Canada (2006-2009), Expert Lead, Research at the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and Co-chair of the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (2008-2017). Dr. Eisenhauer's most recent position was as Head and Professor for the Department of Oncology at Queen's University. Dr. Eisenhauer's very personal commitment to research is also evident in her creation of the "Edith and Carla Eisenhauer Chair in Clinical Cancer Research" at Queen's University in 2001.

Dr. John C. Bell, PhD, FRSC, Ottawa, ON: A Senior Scientist in cancer therapeutics at The Ottawa Hospital and Professor of Medicine and Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa, Dr. John Bell is a global pioneer in the discovery and development of oncolytic viruses (OV), a novel class of targeted cancer therapeutics. He is founder of the Canadian Oncolytic Virus Consortium, the first of its kind in the world, which aims to expand cancer viral therapy discovery and application at all levels and is also Scientific Director of BioCanRx, a Network of Centres of Excellence, and Director of the Biotherapeutics Program for the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research. Committed to "bench to beside" research, Dr. Bell has worked tirelessly to build the infrastructure to make these state-of-the-art immunotherapies a reality for patients, and through his participation in various community forums, he has made OV therapies understandable to patient populations.

Dr. Marco A. Marra, OBC, PhD, FRS(C), FCAHS, Vancouver, BC: Director and Distinguished Scientist at Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (BC Cancer Agency), Professor and Head of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia, and Canada Research Chair in Genome Science, Dr. Marco Marra has made fundamental contributions to the understanding of the role of genetic alterations in promoting cancer progression, and in translating these insights for the benefit of patients. His research has used massively parallel sequencing technologies and informatics tools to characterize tumours from patients and this work has led to the discovery of new cancer associated mutations, candidate biomarkers, and new therapeutic targets. He has described, along with colleagues, the functional interplay between the genome and the epigenome, and has demonstrated transcriptional dysregulation as a major property of cancers.

Dr. Eduardo L.F. Franco, MPH, PhD, FRSC, FCAHS, OC, Montréal, QC: Dr. Eduardo Franco is Professor James McGill and Chairman of Oncology and Director of Cancer Epidemiology at McGill University. In addition to his remarkable scientific contribution to the molecular epidemiology and prevention of cervical cancer and human papillomavirus-associated diseases, Dr. Franco has played a major role in cancer prevention advocacy, actively promoting the adoption of HPV vaccination across Canada and striving to enhance cost-effective cervical cancer prevention approaches in low- and middle-income countries. A vocal proponent for good peer-review and editorial oversight to ensure that published science is quality science, Dr. Franco has served on the editorial boards of various prestigious academic journals and has twice served as an advisor to the US President's Cancer Panel (2012, 2013).

Dr. Michael A.S. Jewett, MD, FRCSC, Toronto, ON: A uro-oncologist with a long and distinguished career in genitourinary oncology, Dr. Michael Jewett is recognized worldwide for his significant contributions to clinical research in kidney cancer. He is Professor of Surgery (Urology) at the University of Toronto, a surgical oncologist, a clinical investigator at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (University Health Network), and Farquharson Clinical Research Chair in Kidney Cancer Research. Dr. Jewett is also co-chair of the National Cancer Institute's Renal Task Force, providing recommendations on ways to enhance clinical trials for genitourinary cancers. He fostered the development and growth of three patient-led charities: Testicular Cancer Canada (2007), Kidney Cancer Canada (2009), and Bladder Cancer Canada (2010) and formed the CIHR-funded Kidney Cancer Research Network of Canada in 2012.

Ms. Judy Needham, Abbotsford, BC: A breast cancer survivor, Ms. Needham is passionately committed to improving outcomes for cancer patients through direct engagement of patients in clinical research processes. Soon after her own treatment, Ms. Needham became involved as board member of the former BC/Yukon Chapter of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, leading fundraising initiatives and development of the first Breast Cancer Navigation Map, a patient tool aimed at simplifying the breast cancer journey. Since 2012, Ms. Needham has been affiliated with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group, first as a Breast Disease Site Executive Committee member, then Lay Representative Committee Chair.  She has worked to further patient centred research across CCTG by formalizing integration of the patient perspective into all steps of development and delivery of clinical trials. She is also a member of the Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Network's Portfolio and Lay Representative Committees, and BC Clinical Trials Leadership Committee.

The Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (CCRA) is an alliance of organizations that collectively fund most of the cancer research conducted in Canada – research that will lead to better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, and improve patient and survivor outcomes. Over 30 members, including federal research funding programs/agencies, provincial research agencies, provincial cancer care agencies, cancer charities, and other voluntary associations, are part of the Alliance. Members are motivated by the belief that, through effective collaboration, Canadian cancer research funding organizations can maximize their collective impact on cancer control and accelerate discovery for the ultimate benefit of Canadians affected by cancer. The CCRA Executive Office is supported by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government to accelerate action on cancer control for all Canadians. For more information, please visit: http://www.ccra-acrc.ca.

About the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
As the steward of the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control, the Partnership works with partners to reduce the burden of cancer on Canadians. Our partner network – cancer agencies, health system leaders and experts, and people affected by cancer – brings a wide variety of expertise to every aspect of our work. After 10 years of collaboration, we are accelerating work that improves the effectiveness and efficiency of the cancer control system, aligning shared priorities and mobilizing positive change across the cancer continuum. From 2017-2022, our work is organized under five themes in our Strategic Plan: quality, equity, seamless patient experience, maximize data impact, sustainable system. The Partnership continues to support the work of the collective cancer community in achieving our shared 30-year goals: a future in which fewer people get cancer, fewer die from cancer and those living with the disease have a better quality of life. The Partnership was created by the federal government in 2006 to move the Strategy into action and receives ongoing funding from Health Canada to continue leading the Strategy with partners from across Canada.  Visit www.partnershipagainstcancer.ca.

SOURCE Canadian Cancer Research Alliance

The Economic Club of Canada: The Life Sciences Industry of Tomorrow: Healthy Canadians, Healthy Future

OTTAWA, Oct. 30, 2017 /CNW/ - What is the true contribution of the innovative pharmaceutical industry to the Canadian economy and R&D investment? What are the potential impacts of federal policy changes aimed at lowering drug prices? Is there a middle ground where Canada is able to lower prices while still retaining its position as a top tier destination for clinical trials and the launch of new innovative medicines? Innovative Medicines Canada President Pamela Fralick and panelists will discuss the results of a Fall 2017 analysis by Ernst & Young about industry's contributions to Canada and how industry and government can work together to enhance affordable, equitable and timely access to new therapies.

The event will be broadcast live over the internet at http://collaboratevideo.net/imc-mnc

Innovative Medicines Canada President Pamela Fralick will be available for media interviews after the event.

About Innovative Medicines Canada

Innovative Medicines Canada is the national voice of Canada's innovative pharmaceutical industry. We advocate for policies that enable the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines and vaccines that improve the lives of all Canadians. We support our members' commitment to being valued partners in the Canadian healthcare system.

I was recently sent a new product to try. And I will tell you right away that my honest review is I love it!

According to Genuine Health "Turmeric is the spice that’s been trending everywhere this year! Not only is it in facials, bowls and lattes, it’s also one of nature’s anti-inflammatory ingredients that helps with pain relief and joint function. Genuine Health’s NEW fast jointcare+ with fermented turmeric is an all-natural, non-GMO, gluten-free and soy-free alternative to Tylonel and Advil and improves physical functioning.

With the help of BiovaFlex®, natural eggshell membrane, Genuine Health’s fast jointcare+ with fermented turmeric relieves pain ranging from athletic injuries to headaches and cramps, while decreasing inflammation. BiovaFlex is the fastest, most effective natural pain relief ingredient on the market and it works in only 5 days! Don’t take remedies that just mask pain, but provide your body with whole food support to actually nourish and repair joints. With the addition of a simple, natural ingredient like turmeric – become pain free so you can lead a healthy active lifestyle moving forward."

Being a competitive athlete my entire life i have put body through vigorous strains of inflammation build up and tearing of muscles and joints. Before trying Fast joint care+ I found a sense of discomfort daily with symptoms of aches and pains. After incorporating Fast joint Care+ in my daily routine I found that just after 6 days I was able to notice a change in my overall range of motion as well as my pain discomfort decreased.

As a competitive athlete it is very crucial to keep my inflammation down through out my workouts. With that being said, I have quickly noticed fast pain relief and more flexibility within my joints. I strongly believe in Fast Joint care+, I recommend it to all my clients. Not only do I love the benefits of fast joint and pain relief but the fact that you only need to take one easy to swallow tablet a day. It has turmeric in it which has been known to be very good at reducing inflammation. I in fact use the space all the time when I cook.

Thanks or sending me the product to try Genuine Health! It's now part of my regular supplement Regiment!

Change the Clocks Not Your Mood with These 5 Steps

As we prepare to switch the clocks and “fall back” this November 5, many of us may give up more than an hour of daylight. We may be giving up our good mood. Many people mark the clock change as the start of more darkness, cold weather and anxiety over holiday schedules and holiday shopping and travel. Dr. Saman Hafeez, a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services explains how setting the clocks back is, for many people the start the winter blues and offers tips on how not to slip into a funk.

Set a sleep regimen.

Less daylight affects our mood and the further north you go the more intense it is. Dr. Hafeez explains that around 3 million people are affected by some form of Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s more common in women than in men and it often lingers throughout the entire winter. How to beat it? Dr. Hafeez suggests getting to bed an hour earlier and adding in some time to wind down an hour before bed. “Don’t watch the news before sleep; read a book, write in a journal or meditate. Do something that eases you into a restful state,” she says.

Change up your exercise schedule.

It’s normal for the brain to get thrown off when it gets darker earlier. Less daylight means that the motivation to get outside for that early morning jog may fade. This is normal. “It’s important that you give your brain new stimulation. Try working out after work instead of in the morning or, if possible join a work out app that brings at home exercise routines right to your phone.

Book your calendar.

The more you have to look forward to the better your mood will be. Schedule weekly dinners with family and friends. Wintertime is hibernation time so set up a family movie schedule or game nights. It’s important to have weekends booked up with fun activities to keep the mind looking forward to fun events. “Social withdrawal is common in the winter when temperatures drop. Take turns hosting dinner events and get around people,” Hafeez encourages.

Study up!

Interested in learning a new skill? Use the wintertime to take seminars, attend workshops and commit to learning something new. When you engage the part of your brain responsible for learning you’re more inspired and alert. Even listening to podcasts and participating in interesting webinars on a topic you’re interested in will increase energy, Hafeez says.

Experiment with new recipes.

When the temperatures drop and we enter hibernation mode we tend to crave more comfort foods. According to Dr. Hafeez, a great way to lift our moods and stimulate our brains is through taste. Winter is a great time to explore new foods. With so many fresh food delivery companies out there you can get pre-portioned healthy food options with step-by-step prep instruction delivered to your doorstep. “I really like this idea because it engages the senses which stimulates the brain. You’re releasing positive brain chemicals triggered by excitement, adventure, task execution and enjoyment, plus you’re eating healthy.

About the doctor:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. 

Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and The Doctors.

According to a report published by Grand View Research, the Global Aromatherapy Market is anticipated to reach USD 2.35 billion by 2025 and includes inhalation as a third of the market size. Aromatherapy is expected to play a significant role in the field of alternative medicines with a gradual shift from man-made drugs toward essential oils to gain therapeutic values.  WHY?

Because life is a rat race and requires a deeper integration of science and wellness in order to battle our everyday stresses.

Kinin offers a portable wellness accessory that delivers the benefits of an essential oil diffuser in a portable package no larger than the size of a pen. Each of our blends are designed to be inhaled using vapor technology to mobilize the benefits from nature’s naturally occurring aromatic compounds to immediately create a positive physiological effect: relaxing effortlessly, recovering quickly, and achieving a superior focus.

The Science Behind It:

You’re affecting the kynurenine pathway, hence KININ.  In essence, the integration of these chemicals through the intranasal delivery system allows for the chemicals to be shared quickly (minutes) with the hypothalamus and amygdala and a little later to the superior temporal gyrus. The immediate effect regardless of the chemical is an instant reduction in the inflammatory pathways dependent on kynurenine and its metabolites. This is neuroprotective and provides the body with a bit of a reset.

Then, based on the type of volatile active ingredient, other pathways will be invoked. For Kinin Relax, it’s GABA. For Kinin Focus, it’s the norepinephrine, and for Kinin Recover, it’s the terpenes that our body sense as indicators of health.

Kinin is the most effective way to use natural chemicals to invoke neurological responses and here's how to use in life's daily activities:

FOCUS: Before exercise or intensive mental activity like writing

RECOVER: Post Workout or to fight off an oncoming cold

RELAX: Before Bed or during high stress/anxiety sensations throughout the day

BD - Canada Marks Canadian Patient Safety Week, Joining the Call for a Safer Health Care System

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 26, 2017 /CNW/ - In recognition of Canadian Patient Safety Week (CPSW), occurring Oct. 30 – Nov.3, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company, is joining the national effort to raise awareness of patient safety in Canada, with a specific focus on medication safety and patient empowerment.

It is estimated that patients experience preventable harm in one of every 18 hospitalizations, and up to 37 percent of these may be attributable to errors in the management of medications¹. To help reduce and eliminate these occurrences, the theme for this year's Canadian Patient Safety Week is Take with Questions – where patients are encouraged to ask questions and have an open dialogue with their health care provider about medication.

"BD - Canada is supporting patient safety by standing behind health care providers, to help improve the patient experience and patient outcomes," says Anuj Pasrija, vice president, Market Access and Government Affairs for BD - Canada. "We believe that quality health care is a team effort. Both patients and health care workers benefit when health care workers are provided with the right tools and systems for quality care."

Canadian Patient Safety Week is led by Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI), an organization dedicated to advocating for safer health care practices across the nation. BD - Canada is supporting CPSI's list of "5 questions to ask about your medications," as well as encouraging health care providers in the workplace to be informed.

"Medication use is so common, and a fact of life for many people these days, that we were compelled to find better ways to keep people safe," said Chris Power, CEO, Canadian Patient Safety Institute. "We believe these five questions will bring much needed clarity to complex situations, and we encourage everyone to ask them in every care setting across Canada."

Canadian Patient Safety Week is an annual, nation-wide event, first launched in 2005. Canadians can join the conversation by using #asklistentalk.

About BD

BD is a global medical technology company that is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. BD leads in patient and health care worker safety and the technologies that enable medical research and clinical laboratories. The company provides innovative solutions that help advance medical research and genomics, enhance the diagnosis of infectious disease and cancer, improve medication management, promote infection prevention, equip surgical and interventional procedures, optimize respiratory care and support the management of diabetes. The company partners with organizations around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. BD has nearly 50,000 associates across 50 countries who work in close collaboration with customers and partners to help enhance outcomes, lower health care delivery costs, increase efficiencies, improve health care safety and expand access to health. For more information on BD, please visit bd.com.

¹ Canadian Institute for Health Information, Canadian Patient Safety Institute. Measuring Patient Harm in Canadian Hospitals. What can be done to improve patient safety? Authored by Chan B, Cochrane D. Ottawa, ON: CIHI; 2016. Baker GR, Norton PG, Flintoft V, Blais R, Brown A, Cox J, et al.

SOURCE BD - Canada

Manulife Study Finds Canadians Struggle to Discuss Financial Challenges Due to Shame and Embarrassment

SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation

From Couch to 5K

FDA Approves Soliris to Treat

Generalized Myasthenia Gravis

Press Release: FDA Approves Soliris (Eculizumab) For The Treatment of Patients With Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG)

Summary: Alexion Pharmaceuticals announced Sept. 23, 2017, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved eculizumab (brand name Soliris) as a treatment for adult patients with generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive. Soliris is the first in a new class of drugs to be approved for MG in the U.S.

Soliris is not a cure for MG, but it may lessen the symptoms experienced by people living with generalized MG. Soliris was tested in clinical trials in patients who had previously failed immunosuppressive treatment and continued to suffer from significant unresolved disease symptoms such as difficulties seeing, walking, talking, swallowing and breathing. Patients taking Soliris had improved scores on scales designed to assess quality of life and symptom burden including double vision, ptosis (drooping of the eyelids), swallowing, speech, breathing, and use of arms and legs.

Statement from MDA President and Chief Executive Officer Lynn O’Connor Vos: 

“MDA celebrates the approval of Soliris to treat generalized myasthenia gravis — the first in a new class of drugs to be approved for MG in the U.S. — and we offer our deepest thanks to the dedicated researchers, and the individuals and families who participated in clinical trials to make this development possible.

“This is truly an unprecedented time, when more experimental therapies than ever before are reaching late-stage development and moving through the regulatory review process. In just the past few years, our community has seen six FDA approvals for drugs to treat neuromuscular diseases in MDA’s program — including periodic paralysis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, ALS, spinal muscular atrophy and now myasthenia gravis. The origins of four of those six drugs can be traced directly to MDA research dollars.

“We are closing in on solutions for people living with neuromuscular diseases and will continue to fund critical scientific research, facilitate clinical trial participation, and advocate for policies that enable safe and effective therapy options to be made available as quickly as possible.”

Background: Patients with generalized MG experience muscle weakness in the head, neck, trunk, limb and respiratory muscles. An estimated 10-15 percent do not respond to treatments that are typically helpful in other MG patients.

Profound weakness throughout the body often is accompanied by slurred speech, impaired swallowing and choking, double vision, upper and lower extremity weakness, disabling fatigue, shortness of breath due to respiratory muscle weakness, and episodes of respiratory failure. Patients with generalized MG may require hospitalization, often involving intensive care unit stays.

Soliris is a terminal complement inhibitor that targets a part of the immune system called the complement system, which is responsible for helping antibodies clear damaged cells and potentially toxic microbes that could cause infections. In MG, antibodies whose job it is to target these toxic pathogens, instead inappropriately recruit the complement system and target the space across which nerve fibers transmit signals to muscle fibers, called the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). In patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive MG, the body’s own immune system turns on itself to produce antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor, a receptor located on muscle cells at the NMJ, activating the complement system. Soliris is thought to work in MG by inhibiting the complement pathway to prevent destruction of the neuromuscular junction.

MDA has not been directly involved in the development of Soliris for MG, but we have invested in previous research investigating complement inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for MG. In addition, MDA currently is funding research focused on developing improved complement inhibitors. (Soliris is a complement inhibitor drug.)