National cancer research investment to advance work in Windsor-Essex

Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, director of WE-SPARK Health Institute, speaks at the September 24 announcement in Ottawa of a $160 million investment

in the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network. 

A $160 million national investment in the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network will help expand precision oncology research, including work underway in Windsor-Essex through the University of Windsor and Windsor Regional Hospital. 

The Government of Canada is investing $80 million over four years, matched by the Terry Fox Research Institute and participating institutions. The network brings researchers and clinicians together to study the genetic and biological makeup of cancers and use that knowledge to inform more personalized care. 

The University of Windsor and Windsor Regional Hospital partnered to become the first community hospital-based site in Canada to join the network. With support from WE-SPARK Health Institute, local researchers and clinicians are contributing to a national effort to share research data and bring advances in cancer care to communities beyond major academic centres. 

“Through the collective efforts of researchers, clinicians, healthcare partners and patients, Windsor-Essex is helping advance precision oncology while ensuring our community contributes to and benefits from a national research network,” said Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, director of WE-SPARK Health Institute. “We are excited to build on the momentum already underway through the leadership of researchers and clinicians in our region.” 

Most people with cancer in Canada receive care in community settings, where access to precision oncology remains limited. The Windsor-Essex partnership creates opportunities to expand local research and clinical trial participation. Over time, it could help more patients benefit from advances in care closer to home. 

Dr. Lisa Porter, Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Windsor, and Dr. Caroline Hamm, an oncologist at Windsor Regional Hospital, are among the local leaders contributing to the network. Both are WE-SPARK Core Principal Members. The investment will also create opportunities for students and trainees to work alongside cancer researchers and clinicians. 

“This announcement highlights the important role Windsor-Essex is playing in advancing cancer research on a national stage,” said Dr. Shanthi Johnson, vice-president, research and innovation, at the University of Windsor. “The University of Windsor is proud to support outstanding research leaders such as Dr. Porter and Dr. Hamm, whose work is helping shape the future of cancer research and precision oncology. This investment also creates new opportunities for our students and trainees to participate in high-impact research and develop the skills needed to tackle tomorrow’s health challenges.” 

“Too often, patients in smaller communities are expected to travel to larger centres to access cutting-edge research and innovation,” said Kristin Kennedy, president and CEO of Windsor Regional Hospital. “Through our participation in the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network, Windsor Regional Hospital is helping change that. This investment strengthens our ability to connect local patients with world-class cancer research while allowing them to remain close to their support systems, families and care teams.” 

Local support from the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation, Transition to Betterness and the Cancer Research Collaboration Fund has helped strengthen cancer research programs connected to the network. 

The investment was announced in Ottawa on September 24. Read the Government of Canada’s full announcement.

Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, director of WE-SPARK Health Institute (fourth from right), joins researchers, health-care leaders and supporters at the September 24 announcement in Ottawa. The $80 million federal investment, matched by the Terry Fox Research Institute and participating institutions, will expand the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network’s precision oncology research across Canada.