National

Custom-Fit Therapy In B.C. Targets Advanced, Hard-to-treat Cancers

Darpan News Desk, 12 Jan, 2016 01:34 PM

VANCOUVER — The B.C. government is investing $3 million in advanced genome sequencing research to customize treatment for thousands of new patients suffering from advanced cancer.

Premier Christy Clark has announced the additional funding for the B.C. Cancer Foundation's "highly experimental" program, which could help upward of 2,000 people over the next five years.

The technique decodes the genetic makeup of patients' tumours, helping doctors identify the most effective potential drug treatments rather than putting the patient through generalized therapy.

Doctors believe they are unlocking the mysteries of cancer, but say the treatments are a first for cancer care and the long-term outcomes are unknown.

Innovative cancer research changes lives in BC & around the world. $3M to @bccancer helps continue their great work. https://t.co/bozns2dsWo
— Christy Clark (@christyclarkbc) January 12, 2016

Patient and non-smoker Jennifer Strack says she was on Cloud 9 after being offered the treatment, which she credits with saving her life after she was diagnosed with stage-4 lung cancer.

The B.C. Cancer Agency launched clinical trials of the program in 2012, and more than 350 patients representing 50 cancer types have enrolled so far.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Canadian Couple Found Dead In Mexican Hotel, No Signs Of Violence

In the Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo the bodies of the man and the woman were found in a whirlpool spa and showed no signs of violence.

Canadian Couple Found Dead In Mexican Hotel, No Signs Of Violence

Premier Christy Clark Wishes All British Columbians A Happy Diwali

I encourage all British Columbians to come together and take part in one of the many vibrant Diwali festivities throughout the province

Premier Christy Clark Wishes All British Columbians A Happy Diwali

A Justin Trudeau-Style Gender-equal Cabinet Pledge For The U.S.? No Thanks, Says Donald Trump

Trump replied that he has many, many women working for his companies. Perhaps even more than 50 per cent, he said. But he said he'd make cabinet appointments based exclusively on merit, not quotas.

A Justin Trudeau-Style Gender-equal Cabinet Pledge For The U.S.? No Thanks, Says Donald Trump

Premier Christy Clark Thanks Veterans, Families, For Their Sacrifice

She is participating in a ceremony at Royal Lepage Place in West Kelowna, B.C.

Premier Christy Clark Thanks Veterans, Families, For Their Sacrifice

Bubble Yuck: Crews Melt Estimated 1 Million Wads Of Used Chewing Gum Off Famous Seattle Wall

Crews are cleaning the city's famed "gum wall" near Pike Place Market, where tourists and locals have been sticking their used chewing gum for the past 20 years.

Bubble Yuck: Crews Melt Estimated 1 Million Wads Of Used Chewing Gum Off Famous Seattle Wall

Manitoba Graphic Novel To Raise Profile Of Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women

The 19-year-old was abducted as she walked down the streets of The Pas, Man., in November 1971. Later that night, she was stabbed to death with a screwdriver dozens of times.