KEY QUESTIONS

Personalized Cancer Medicine is a multi-faceted approach to care that focuses on the unique nature of each patient: finding the right treatment for the right patient at the right time.

HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT?

Traditionally, treatment was provided according to disease type i.e. breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, etc. Thanks to advances in research and a better understanding of the molecular basis of cancer, we now know that there may be many more sub-types of cancer – for example, as many as 16 sub-types of breast cancer – each one of which may require a different treatment. Similarly, patients have different psychological and support needs – Personalized Cancer Medicine integrates and addresses all of these factors.

HOW WILL THIS HELP PATIENTS?

By basing treatment on a better understanding of the unique character of each cancer and each patient, we will be able to provide people with more effective and less toxic treatments.

ISN’T THIS BEING DONE ALREADY?

Many of the techniques and technologies needed to implement Personalized Cancer Medicine are currently being developed in research laboratories but have only a limited application in patients. Our goal is to move these developments rapidly to the clinic so that patients can benefit now.

WHAT IS THE PRINCESS MARGARET’S VISION FOR PERSONALIZED CANCER MEDICINE?

The Princess Margaret’s vision is to create the blueprint, develop and optimize new procedures, and set the new gold standard of Personalized Cancer Medicine for all patients at The Princess Margaret, across Canada and around the world. In addition to the genetic analysis of tumours, The Princess Margaret’s approach to Personalized Cancer Medicine encompasses four key pillars:

Detect: Detecting cancer earlier.
Diagnose: Diagnosing with more precision.
Target: Targeting treatment for each patient.
Support: Supporting patients and families throughout their cancer journey.

This new model of patient care will bring us closer to our ultimate goal: to Conquer Cancer In Our Lifetime.

WHAT WILL THIS REQUIRE?

This will require an investment of $1 Billion to create and deliver the new gold standard in cancer care: Personalized Cancer Medicine.

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL AT THE END OF THE BILLION DOLLAR CHALLENGE?

The Billion Dollar Challenge will support the creation of the new gold standard in cancer care: Personalized Cancer Medicine.  This approach will include using a patient’s genetic information to more precisely diagnose their cancer and to match patients with targeted therapies based on their tumour’s molecular profiles. 

Our goal is to molecularly diagnose the tumours of new patients on a routine basis by 2018 in order to augment their diagnosis and to be able to advance their personalized treatment.

Funds raised through the Billion Dollar Challenge will succeed in further strengthening The Princess Margaret’s position as one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world. 

HOW CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

You can make a difference by donating to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

To learn more about making a transformational gift, please click here for more information.

To make an online contribution, please click here to donate now.