The Alberta Cancer Foundation announced that it is investing C$35 million to advance cancer clinical trials in Alberta. The funding represents one of the largest clinical trial investments over a five-year period in the foundation’s history.
The investment will support innovative new treatments and help fund the daily operations needed to run clinical trials. The foundation said the funding is intended to make existing therapies safer, faster, and more effective for patients.
The funding will support operations and expand infrastructure at major research hubs across Alberta. These include Calgary’s Riddell Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy and Owerko Family Centre for Clinical Trials.
The investment will also support the Clinical Trials Unit at Edmonton’s Cross Cancer Institute. Teams there are advancing CAR T-cell therapy and other emerging immunotherapies.
In Lethbridge, the funding will help launch a clinical trial using advanced MRI imaging. The trial will test whether doctors can safely reduce the number of prostate cancer radiation sessions required during treatment.
The investment builds on the Government of Alberta’s new 10-Year Cancer Care Strategy, which was announced in June. That strategy is focused on improving outcomes, enhancing patient experiences, advancing research, and strengthening cancer care.
The Alberta Cancer Foundation serves as the fundraising engine behind every cancer center in the province. The foundation said its funding helps ensure that Albertans have access to more than 200 active cancer clinical trials on any given day.
Donor-funded research and clinical trials have helped change cancer outcomes in Alberta. Over the last 25 years, the province has moved from having one of the lowest cancer survival rates in Canada to one of the highest.
KEY QUOTES:
“Clinical trials are the backbone of progress in cancer care and ultimately turn medical breakthroughs today into standard of care for future generations. Together with our donor community, we are proud to make this transformational investment which will accelerate the journey from discovery to impact so promising new treatments reach Alberta patients faster.”
Wendy Beauchesne, CEO of the Alberta Cancer Foundation
“The Alberta Cancer Foundation’s historic $35-million investment directly accelerates Alberta’s Strategic Plan for Cancer to 2036, driving advanced research and expanding access to clinical trials. By expanding our clinical trial capacity, we are bringing more innovative treatment options to Albertans right now. We are deeply grateful to the donors whose generosity makes this critical investment possible for patients and families across the province.”
Brenda Hubley, Managing Director of Cancer Care Alberta
