TORONTO, July 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research (OICR) will receive $420 million over five years
from the Government of Ontario to continue its research into the
prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The
Institute will also occupy two floors of Phase II of the MaRS
Centre in addition to its current laboratories and offices at its
headquarters in the MaRS Centre. The announcement was made today by
Dr. Tom Hudson, President and Scientific Director.
Today’s announcement means continued support for the Institute
in fulfilling the ambitious goals set out in its second Strategic
Plan for 2010-2015, which focuses on the adoption of more
personalized approaches to cancer diagnosis and treatment. OICR’s
current research activities in genomics and bioinformatics will be
expanded in the new space in Phase II, allowing the Institute to
increase its capacity to make new discoveries and move them out of
the laboratory into the clinic for the benefit of patients. The
funding will also enable the Ontario Health Study to complete its
recruitment plans for the Study which will lead to better
prevention of cancer and other chronic diseases.
“Over the past five years OICR has networked top scientific
talent from the province and recruited 35 international stars of
the cancer research world, to meet the cancer challenge,” said Dr.
Hudson. “We have one of the highest rates of patient enrolment in
cancer clinical trials in North America. The trials, conducted in
23 adult and five paediatric cancer centres in Ontario, brings new
cancer therapies to Ontario cancer patients sooner. With renewed
funding we will continue this important work, ensuring the most
promising cancer research in Ontario will be turned into new
treatments and provide new hope for cancer patients worldwide.”
“Our government is proud of OICR’s commitment to life-saving
research,” said Ontario Minister of Research and Innovation Glen
Murra
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