Groundbreaking Canadian Cancer Society-funded research aims to reshape the future of advanced cancer

With support from CCS and Brain Canada, three teams of experts are undertaking large-scale projects to change the lives of people affected by advanced cancer.

It takes big ideas – and bold researchers – to help more people live well with and beyond advanced cancer. That’s why new grants announced today by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), with support from Brain Canada, will fund cutting-edge research that aims to reshape how we care for people with advanced cancer and tackle critical gaps in research on how cancer recurs.

With $17.9 million in funding, the current round of CCS Breakthrough Team Grants brings together researchers, healthcare providers, people affected by cancer, and other experts to find new and innovative approaches to cancer understanding, treatment, and symptom support.

Each of the three grants focuses on priorities identified by people with lived experience of cancer, who are also key participants in the research. This is the second round of these unique grants, which previously funded trailblazing studies into six low-survival cancers.

“Through these grants, we’re fueling innovative research that could transform the future of cancer care. This kind of big-picture thinking is vital to improving not only cancer survival but also the quality of life for people living with or beyond cancer.” says Dr. Stuart Edmonds, Executive Vice President, Mission, Research, and Advocacy at CCS.

Psychedelic-assisted cancer therapy

One of the selected projects, led by Dr. Linda Carlson (University of Calgary) and Dr. Ronald Shore (Queen’s University), focuses on treating feelings like anxiety, depression, and hopelessness that are common in people living with advanced cancer.

Small trials suggest that psychedelic-assisted cancer therapy (PACT) can offer quick and long-lasting help, but barriers exist that prevent access to PACT for people with advanced cancers in Canada.

With funding from CCS in partnership with Brain Canada, Dr. Carlson, Dr. Shore, and their team will work with people from all walks of life to determine research priorities, train healthcare providers, and eventually conduct a large-scale clinical trial of psychedelic-assisted therapy for people with advanced cancer that could influence policy.

“It takes a society to tackle cancer and the problems that go along with diagnosis and treatment. We will bring together people living with cancer, their loved ones, cancer researchers across disciplines, psychosocial and palliative care clinicians, provincial cancer administrative leaders, and provincial and federal policymakers on this team.” says Dr. Carlson.

Easier access to palliative treatment trials

“For most people, quality of life is as important as quantity of life. Our research is focused on finding new ways to improve symptom control and quality of life for people with advanced cancer because it makes all the difference in the world.” says Dr. James Downar (Bruyère Health Research Institute).

Dr. James Downar (Bruyère Health Research Institute), Dr. Kieran Quinn (Sinai Health, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute), and their team are building a platform that connects patients with clinical trials for palliative treatments.

With funding from CCS in partnership with Brain Canada, the team will work with people affected by cancer to focus first on treatments for psychological distress, with the hope that the platform will eventually allow people to find trials for any symptom associated with advanced cancer.

Their goal? To improve access to clinical trials and get results quicker, thus improving the lives of people affected by cancer.

“We are proud to collaborate with the Canadian Cancer Society on these projects that aim to deepen our understanding of the mental health challenges faced by individuals living with cancer. By investing in this critical research, we move closer to developing tailored solutions that address the psychological impact of cancer and improve patient outcomes.” says Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada.

Understanding cancer dormancy and recurrence

Some cancer cells can survive undetected in the body for years, a condition we call “dormancy.” Even long after successful treatment, these cells can reactivate and cause a recurrence of cancer. Finding and eliminating dormant cancer cells can reduce the risk of relapse – so Dr. Francis Rodier at CHUM Research Centre and his multi-institutional team are studying ovarian tumors with a high rate of recurrence to learn more about dormancy.

Using brand-new technologies, they will search for vulnerabilities in dormant cancer cells and test new treatment strategies that target the cells’ weak points, ultimately reducing treatment resistance and improving patient outcomes.

“To fight a complex disease like cancer, it’s essential to bring together multidisciplinary teams to foster collaboration and discovery. In Canada, there are very few large-scale grants such as the CCS Breakthrough Team Grants, which makes this program essential.” says Dr. Rodier.

The CCS Breakthrough Team Grants reflect the importance of funding ambitious, team-based scientific research aimed at improving the lives and outcomes of people living with advanced cancer. Learn more about these grants and the selected projects.

About the Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer across Canada and for all types of cancer.

Together with patients, supporters, donors, and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society.

Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit the website today.

About Brain Canada

Brain Canada plays a unique and invaluable role as a national convenor of those who support and advance brain research. A greater understanding of how the brain works contributes to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of disorders of the brain, ultimately improving the health outcomes of people in Canada and around the world.

This program has been made possible in part thanks to the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada Foundation.

To date, Health Canada has invested over $200 million through the CBRF, which has been matched by Brain Canada Foundation and its donors and partners.