New test identifies high-risk childhood brain tumours, improving treatment decisions
At UBC, researchers including Dr. Poul Sorensen have developed a way to determine severity of childhood brain tumours called medullobastomas. This new technique allows testing to be done quickly in any pathology lab, making it accessible. By identifying which children aren't indicated for certain treatment, the results can indicate which children do or don't require certain treatments (such as radiation), to reduce unnecessary exposure. This translational work can be integrated into clinical use almost immediately. The article, written by the Faculty of Medicine, includes interesting details, worthy of reading.
Can an Ultrasound be transformed into an MRI? Dr. Hacihaliloglu works towards an answer
Dr. Ilker Hacihaliloglu is playing an active role in being a first to test image-to-image synthesizing technology, by researching whether MRIs can be generated by ultrasound scans of prostate cancer. With the influx of artificial intelligence algorithms' ability to produce complex images, this possibility is more feasible than ever. With more data input, the technology refines its accuracy, speed, and ability to transform one ultrasound into an MRI or other medical diagnostic image. Dr. Hacihaliloglu describes how this has tremendous impacts on patient care.
Recommended Reading: Connecting the Dots – Building a Collaborative Approach to Data Sharing
Genome BC's Annual Report has an interesting article, touching on the importance of data sharing and collaboration in genomics. Biobanks are integral to this approach, with large stores of biological samples alongside helpful health data. With the ability to provide large-scale data while ensuing that diversity is included, the genetic variants and associated drug reactions as well as risk of disease, provide an opportunity for more targeted effective treatments as a result. Due to these needs, the Health Metadata Commons was introduced by Genome BC last year, improving researcher accessibility to the samples and datasets that responsibly help propel their research.
With Portable Neuroimaging, Dr. Shannon Kolind Brings Translational Medicine to Multiple Sclerosis
Dr. Shannon Kolind is featured in the Faculty of Medicine's Pathways Magazine for bringing cutting edge technology to reality for those with MS, via portable MRI machines. The ATM commends Dr. Kolind for her outstanding contributions to translational medicine at UBC and beyond, and encourages the ATM Community to learn about this technology and potential impact.
Dr. Daniel Vigo Named in Vancouver Magazne’s 2025 Power 50 List
Please join us congratulating Dr. Daniel Vigo! In 2024, Dr. Vigo, who is a member of the ATM, was appointed BC's first ever Chief Scientific Advisor for Psychiatry, Toxic Drugs and Concurrent Disorders. He has now been named in the Vancouver Magazine's 2025 Power 50 List, for taking action against an epidemic.
Dr. Catrina Loucks Receives Terry Fox New Investigator Award for Research Addressing Inadequate Pain Management for Pediatric Cancer Patients
As an awardee of the Terry Fox New Investigator Award, Dr. Catrina Loucks receives $525,000 in funding for the project "Harnessing pharmacogenomics to reduce opioid-induced harm and ineffectiveness in children with cancer."
Vancouver Sun publishes Op-Ed by Dr. Dean Regier: Canada must step up as the global leader in pandemic preparedness
Dr. Dean Regier, Director of the ATM, has authored a compelling op-ed published by the Vancouver Sun. The piece advocates for Canada to step up as a leading role in pandemic awareness despite the U.S.'s step back, underscoring the importance of learning from the past and taking proactive public health measures moving forwards. Dr. Regier makes a persuasive case for how and why better policy infrastructure will strengthen the biomanufacturing pipeline, which is currently neither cohesive nor funded to the degree required. With translational medicine at the crux of this, the ATM Community is highly encouraged to read this thought-provoking article.
Dr. Dean Regier Appointed Director, Academy of Translational Medicine
The ATM is excited to share that Dr. Dean Regier has been appointed Director of the Academy of Translational Medicine. As Director of the ATM, Dr. Regier will lead the continued development of the academy into a world-leading network and hub for innovation in translational medicine and regulatory science. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Regier, whose new perspective will further the ATM towards accelerating the translation of lifesaving medicines for BC and Canada – saving more lives, sooner.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: Multiple Principal Investigator Award
Those seeking interdisciplinary clinical research projects are encouraged to learn about the Multiple Principal Investigator Award. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation expects investigators from distinct subspecialties or research disciplines to collaborate, with opportunities for those in translational medicine.