Imagine if doctors could see a tumour evolve in real time, tracking its cells as they respond to or resist treatment. CCS-funded researchers are now exploring a groundbreaking approach – making certain cells glow – to observe changes and pinpoint vulnerabilities in tumour cells.
Tumours are difficult to eradicate because they are often made up of a variety of cell types. A treatment that eliminates one type of cell may not affect another, which means the tumour can survive or even develop resistance to treatment.
With new funding from the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and the Hecht Foundation, Dr Chan and his team at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre are working to analyze treatment response in living cancer cells. Their innovative method could potentially lead to a new type of cancer therapy.
Using lasers to isolate glowing cells, the researchers can analyze their genetic changes, which could help uncover the secrets behind their survival. They will pinpoint which genetic changes affect cell behaviour – such as response to therapies – with the hope that doctors could use the technology to target and destroy treatment-resistant cancer cells.
Bold ideas can spark real change, and CCS is committed to investing in this kind of cutting-edge research. With the vital support of CCS donors, researchers like Dr Chan can dive into the unknown to develop these revolutionary techniques to help transform the future of cancer and save lives.
Click here to learn more about the recipients of the 2025 CCS/Hecht Foundation Disruptive Innovation in Cancer Grants.