Innovation Anthology #520:

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Chemo drugs based on taxanes are commonly used to treat breast cancer.

The problem is, about half the patients develop a resistance to taxanes.

University of Alberta biochemist Dr. Ing Swie Goping is researching the cause of this taxane resistance.

DR. ING SWIE GOPING: We know from our previous work that there is a particular protein which seems to be low in cell lines that do not respond well to the drug, In cell lines that have high levels of this protein, we took it out. Genetically manipulated it and then all of a sudden those cells became resistant. That gave us a candidate We then looked at clinical samples and we found that there was a correlation with women that did well with the treatment having high levels of that protein. So this could potentially be a diagnostic kit So we’re on the task now of going forward, moving our initial studies, validating, getting more samples and trying to see whether or not if it will come through.

Dr. Ing Swie Goping’s project is supported through the Alberta-Pfizer Translational Research Fund.

If successful, a biomarker test would easily determine which patients should get taxane, and those who should not.

Thanks today to ALBERTA INNOVATES HEALTH SOLUTIONS

I’M CHERYL CROUCHER

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Alberta Innovates Health Solutions

Alberta Innovates (formerly Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions)

As the newly formed Alberta Innovates corporation, we still fund top quality, internationally competitive health research and innovation activities to improve the health and wellbeing of Albertans. We provide leadership for Alberta’s health research and innovation enterprise by directing, coordinating, reviewing, funding and supporting research and innovation.

Working with our many partners  in the health system, we ensure that research achieves innovation in care, policy and practice, and that the needs of patients and clinicians influence research.

Our background

Alberta Innovates consolidation was launched November 1, 2016.

Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions

Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions was established as part of the Alberta Innovates system by an Act of Legislation of the Government of Alberta. It is a agency  of the Government of Alberta. We receive a yearly allocation from the Ministry of Health and report through the ministry to the people of Alberta.

Our Mandate and Roles document reflects our role and responsibilities and outlines the government statues and regulations with which we comply.

Alberta’s Health Research and Innovation Strategy (AHRIS) sets out Alberta’s health research agenda for the coming decade to ensure our considerable investments in research align with our priority—to improve the health of Albertans.

Program Date: 2012-12-13