Public had chance to learn about strides made in detecting and treating disease last week<\/p>\n
Published Nov 10, 2025 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 2 minute read<\/p>\n
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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<\/p>\n
Proceeds from a 50\/50 draw at Health Sciences North are driving forward research that\u2019s changing the future of care for patients in Northeastern Ontario, the hospital said in a recent release.<\/p>\n
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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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u201cThese 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,\u201d said HSN.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen someone buys a 50\/50 ticket, they\u2019re not just hoping to win, they\u2019re helping to fund research, medical equipment, and priority health needs that can save the lives of their family, friends, and<\/p>\n
neighbours,\u201d said Anthony Keating, head of the HSN Foundation. \u201cThese projects represent hope and innovation, made possible because our community continues to give back.\u201d<\/p>\n
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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:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Developing a simple blood and urine test to detect early signs of colorectal cancer returning after treatment (Dr. Sujeenthar Tharmalingam);<\/p>\n
\u2022 Using radiofrequency ablation with cement augmentation to relieve pain and restore mobility for patients with spinal metastases (Dr. Stefano Priola);<\/p>\n
\u2022 Exploring genetic and lifestyle factors that drive head and neck cancers in Northern Ontario (Dr. Deborah Saunders);<\/p>\n
\u2022 Studying immune system responses to predict side effects in cancer immunotherapy (Dr. Chris Verschoor); and<\/p>\n
\u2022 Improving understanding of therapy resistance in aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (Dr.T.C. Tai).<\/p>\n
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In total, the 2025-26 funding cycle will support research projects with a combined value of more than $550,000.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur research community is able to ask bold questions and pursue discoveries that will change lives, and it\u2019s because of our donors,\u201d said Rob Ohle, vice-president of academic and research impact at HSN. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Vale Cavern.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n