How Research is Leading the Way to Improved Outcomes
DonateThanks to philanthropic support, established clinician-scientists are making world-first breakthroughs in treating otherwise untreatable diseases so that people suffering from urologic diseases and cancers live longer and more meaningful lives.
This impact is particularly felt in the area of urologic cancers because some advanced forms of these cancers become resistant to standard therapies. The team at the VPC is relentlessly studying these cancers to understand their structure and biology and to identify new mechanisms that can be targeted therapeutically to stop cancer progression. With your support, they are finding new ways to beat back urologic cancers and other diseases, stamping Vancouver on the map as global leaders in the field. This increased reputation for greatness is key in helping the team reach the desired status of an institute.
URO-ONCOLOGY
Dr. Artem Cherkasov is using computer-aided drug design to scan chemical libraries at unprecedented speed and level of accuracy. His supercharged technology paves the way for the identification of novel pharmaceutical compounds that target specific disease pathways more effectively. It has broad applications, including kidney cancer, bladder dysfunction and even COVID-19.
Dr. Nada Lallous is bioengineering protein-based therapeutic solutions to target cancer at key sites on the human body. Her approach helps patients overcome resistance to standard treatment of advanced prostate and other cancers, such as endometrial cancer and Ewing sarcoma (a rare form of bone cancer).
Dr. Alexander Wyatt has developed a potential tumour DNA diagnostic test that can be obtained with a simple blood test – a liquid biopsy of sorts. Unlike a regular biopsy, it is non-invasive, costs less than $100, can be drawn anytime and returns up-to-date results within a matter of days. This innovation is poised to change the paradigm treatment for aggressive urologic cancers.
Drs Larry Goldenberg, Michael Cox and Nathan Lack of the VPC have teamed up with Dr. David Perrin, renowned UBC Chemist, to develop a novel compound (called radioisotope-linked PSMA- targeting aptamer) that will seek out and destroy cancer cells while preserving all other normal cells in the body. This is a critical and difficult scientific challenge, with a very unique, local approach.
KIDNEY STONES
Drs. Ben Chew and Dirk Lange have trialed a new equipment, called ‘Urowave’, to dissolve kidney stones without anesthetic. Patients in BC are the first in the world to find relief from chronic pain associated with kidney stones due to this innovative new technology made possible, in part, by donor support.
Dr. Dirk Lange has also published the results of his infection study, describing how a silver-based coating he discovered can easily be applied on medical implanted devices like catheters and stents. His discovery has been hailed as a silver bullet to prevent painful urinary tract infections.
KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION
Dr. Chris Nguan is leveraging philanthropy to develop a system to change the blood type of a donated organ, and to investigate how animal organs may be used in transplantation. His study is expanding access and improving outcomes for transplant patients in BC and beyond.
Dr. David Harriman is looking for early clues in patients’ urine that may warn of potential kidney distress following transplantation. This will help doctors identify more effective ways to stage an intervention and prolong healthy living for renal transplant recipients.
SEXUAL HEALTH
Dr. Ryan Flannigan has received numerous awards and global recognition for 3D printing human testicles to generate sperm; for advancing penile implant technology to treat severe erectile dysfunction; and for new injections to treat Peyronies disease, which causes bending of the penis. His acclaimed work is blazing a new trail to improve quality of life, reignite intimacy and bring fresh hope to couples wishing to start a family.
CLINICAL TRIALS
Clinical trials at the VPC returned to normal pre-COVID levels with 269 patients enrolled in therapeutic trials and a further 675 subjects in biomarker studies. The team has initiated 15 new trials in 2022, including a scrotal pain study. They have also launched a novel genomic-based neoadjuvant cancer therapy trial – a multicentre North American study, which VPC is leading. To date, 77 people across Canada have been enrolled in this trial.
Advancing Urologic Care in BC and Beyond
Raising more than $65 million in under two years, our record-breaking Urologic Sciences campaign is advancing clinical care, research, and education across urologic diseases, including areas such as prostate, kidney and bladder cancer, kidney stones, bladder and female pelvic health, kidney transplant, sexual and reproductive health, and adolescent transitional urology. And it’s all made possible by donors like you.
Learn more about our Urologic Sciences campaign.
