Brain Cancer Canada awards The Dwayne Andrews Glioblastoma Grant for Research to a study on the impact of anesthetics on brain cancer proliferation
May 08 2024 - 8:45AM
Brain Cancer Canada is excited to announce the issuance of an
$80,000 grant to support groundbreaking research by Dr. Sujoy Banik
and his team at Lawson Health Research Institute in London,
Ontario, Canada.
The grant will fund a study at London Health
Sciences Centre (LHSC) titled “Comparison of intravenous and
inhaled anesthetics on brain tumour proliferation: an in-vitro
study”. The work aims to assess whether anesthetics used during
glioblastoma brain tumour surgery can impact tumour growth,
invasion, and metastasis. Given that anesthetics are a crucial part
of surgical procedures, understanding their potential influence on
brain tumours could significantly affect clinical practices and
patient outcomes.
Dr. Banik, the principal investigator, a
physician anesthesiologist at LHSC and Associate Scientist at
Lawson Health Research Institute, explains: “Many patients may
receive multiple anesthetics during the course of their treatment
for glioblastoma. While exposure to anesthetics is typically
short-term, there may be far-reaching implications.”
The team hopes findings from this study will
provide important insights into the suitability of anesthetics for
neuro-anesthesia in patients undergoing brain tumour surgery. Their
goal is to better profile the use of anesthetic drugs during brain
cancer surgery to improve patient safety and outcomes.
Anita Angelini, Vice-Chair of Brain Cancer
Canada, highlighted the significance of this research. “We are
buoyed by the direction taken by Dr. Banik and his team in this
project. This grant reflects our commitment to supporting
innovative research that can lead to better outcomes for brain
cancer patients," she said. "We believe that this study could
provide critical insights into how anesthetics impact brain cancer
progression and could ultimately lead to improved surgical
practices and patient care.”
Dr. Banik also highlights the profound impact of
the philanthropic support that is making this work possible, “This
grant will help fulfill gaps in research with glioblastoma patients
- where every minute spent with family and loved ones is treasured.
Our team thanks Brain Cancer Canada, the Andrews Family and
Auto|One Group for helping us kickstart our work through the Dwayne
Andrews GBM Research Grant.”
The grant is the first in a series of four to be
issued by Brain Cancer Canada during May, Brain Cancer Awareness
Month. This initiative aligns with the organization's commitment to
raising awareness and increasing support for brain cancer
research.
For more information about the study, please
contact Brain Cancer Canada at SAC@braincancercanada.ca
About Brain Cancer Canada
Brain Cancer Canada is a 100% volunteer,
national charity that funds research, neurosurgical technologies,
and advocates for access to treatments for pediatric and adult
brain cancer.
For further information, please visit
braincancercanada.ca or contact cure@braincancercanada.ca
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