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Public had chance to learn about strides made in detecting and treating disease last week
Published Nov 10, 2025 • 2 minute read
The Catalyst event, held last week at Science North, brings together researchers, clinicians, patients, educators and community members to showcase how innovation and collaboration are transforming health care in Northern Ontario.Article content
Proceeds from a 50/50 draw at Health Sciences North are driving forward research that’s changing the future of care for patients in Northeastern Ontario, the hospital said in a recent release.
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This year, the Health Sciences North Foundation board approved $300,000 in research funding for nine projects led by scientists and clinicians affiliated with Health Sciences North Research Institute.
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“These studies, made possible through community support of the HSN 50/50 Cash Lottery, are helping to improve early cancer detection, reduce side effects of treatment, and develop better tools for predicting patient outcomes,” said HSN.
“When someone buys a 50/50 ticket, they’re not just hoping to win, they’re helping to fund research, medical equipment, and priority health needs that can save the lives of their family, friends, and
neighbours,” said Anthony Keating, head of the HSN Foundation. “These projects represent hope and innovation, made possible because our community continues to give back.”
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Led by investigators across HSN and HSNRI, the funded studies will explore new frontiers in cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment, including:
• Developing a simple blood and urine test to detect early signs of colorectal cancer returning after treatment (Dr. Sujeenthar Tharmalingam);
• Using radiofrequency ablation with cement augmentation to relieve pain and restore mobility for patients with spinal metastases (Dr. Stefano Priola);
• Exploring genetic and lifestyle factors that drive head and neck cancers in Northern Ontario (Dr. Deborah Saunders);
• Studying immune system responses to predict side effects in cancer immunotherapy (Dr. Chris Verschoor); and
• Improving understanding of therapy resistance in aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (Dr.T.C. Tai).
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In total, the 2025-26 funding cycle will support research projects with a combined value of more than $550,000.
“Our research community is able to ask bold questions and pursue discoveries that will change lives, and it’s because of our donors,” said Rob Ohle, vice-president of academic and research impact at HSN. “The generosity of HSN 50/50 supporters is fuelling breakthroughs in cancer care, helping us bring new treatments, technologies, and hope to patients across Northern Ontario.”
Community members had a chance to see these research projects come to life at Catalyst 2025, hosted by the Health Sciences North Research Institute on Nov. 6 at Science North’s Vale Cavern.
Catalyst brings together researchers, clinicians, patients, educators, learners, donors, and community members to showcase how innovation and collaboration are transforming health care in Northern Ontario.
Through engaging poster presentations and inspiring live speaker sessions, attendees got to learn more about the ground-breaking studies supported through HSNF and HSN 50/50 donations.
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