“We are pleased to have Dr. Rowlands leading the team,” said Michael Power, Vice-President, Regional Cancer and Diagnostics. “The credibility he lends to MMRC via his research experience assists in the establishment of Thunder Bay as a global player in research.” As a result of Dr. Rowlands’ leadership, the MMRC will engage in several research projects, including one to develop High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) equipment, guided by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) that will use heat to destroy cancers deep in the body without surgery.

“I’m looking forward to joining the team at the MMRC,” said Dr. Rowlands. “This region certainly has a lot to be proud of as well as exceptional growth potential. I’m thrilled to be a part of it all.” “The other two projects involve the development of novel injectable agents that light up when paired with conventional scanners and development of a new generation of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scanner to produce higher resolution images at a lower cost,” said Dr. Rowlands. “These approaches will enhance our ability to understand disease and its progression allowing us to better direct the investigation and management of patients.”

“The anticipated results of this study will significantly improve our understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in development and progression of cervical carcinoma,” said Dr. Ulanova. “It will provide an experimental basis for the design of novel drugs for the treatment of cervical cancer, based on integrin inhibitors.”

“Programs offered at the bedside during hospitalization maximize people’s success at quitting smoking,” said Dr. Smith. “Quitting during hospitalization has benefits beyond general health improvement – healing occurs more rapidly, surgical complications decrease and shorter hospital stays are required.” This research is especially pertinent to Northwestern Ontario as we have higher than average smoking rates when compared with the rest of Ontario. In fact, in Canada, tobacco use is directly related to over 85 percent of lung cancers and 30 percent of all other cancers. These staggering statistics are obvious motivators to facilitating meaningful research. The long-term outcomes of this research will include the institutionalization of tobacco cessation initiatives in hospitals and a reduction of cigarette consumption across Northwestern Ontario. “The ultimate outcome will be a decrease in tobacco-related diseases, complications, healthcare utilization and healthcare costs”, said Dr. Smith.

“Northwestern Ontario should be incredibly proud of this research as this region is entirely responsible for its funding,” said Brian McKinnon, Chair, Board of Directors, The Northern Cancer Research Foundation. “It’s very exciting to see the tangible results of projects funded by this community’s generosity.” The NCRF is dedicated to providing funds that stay here in Northwestern Ontario, with the specific goal of furthering research, improving patient care, and stimulating education and awareness for the residents of our region and community.”