Brain power

A pioneering brain tumour researcher in Calgary is at the lead of a new $8.2-million drug discovery project. Thanks to funds from the the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions, The Terry Fox Foundation (and other partners), the University of Calgary’s Dr. Gregory Cairncross and a team of top researchers across Canada will look at glioblastoma, an aggressive and often fatal brain disease that affects 2,600 Canadians. “This is a disease where survival is measured in months,” says Dr. Cairncross, who adds that the project’s multidisciplinary team has an opportunity to develop promising drug therapies. The group’s five- to 10-year objective includes better control of tumours and a longer, high-quality life for patients. “We have a chance to make a difference.”