Discovery and Translational Research

Discovery Research means research that helps expand our understanding of cancer, it’s how we generate new knowledge. That knowledge then provides the foundation for developing new treatment approaches through Translational Research, which results in better care for our patients. At the Cancer Agency, we have a dedicated team of four scientists that focus on Discovery and Translational Research and are embedded within the Cancer Agency’s operational structure (referred to as the “Research department”). Since its establishment in May 1990, the Research Department has focused on understanding how cancer cells differ from normal cells and targeting those differences. Our team of world-class researchers is dedicated to advancing cancer research by understanding cancer and developing new innovative treatments.

The Research Department secures project-specific grants from the Cancer Agency (with funds raised by the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan), the University of Saskatchewan, and other local, provincial, and national research funding agencies to carry out top-notch research. 

This department offers an outstanding training environment for students at every stage of their academic journey. Our scientists provide state-of-the-art laboratory experiences and expert mentoring for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students. These trainees are the next generation of cancer researchers. They are funded through project grants that support their modest training allowance and the supplies needed for the project. 

You can be a part of cancer research right here in Saskatchewan. Join our team and make a difference in the fight against cancer by donating for Cancer Research to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan! 

Cancer is a complex disease

Cancer is caused by genetic changes to the DNA in the cells of the body. Every cell gets damaged over time and that damage can turn a healthy cell into a cancer cell. Since there are ~23,000 genes that work together to control the functions within each cell, this is very complex. The number of damaged genes in cells increases over time affecting many genes in different combinations. So, cancer is not a single disease, but instead it is a collection of diseases with different underlying causes. There are well over 200 different kinds of cancer, with different genetic causes. Damaged genes usually put cells at a disadvantage, so they will die – this goes undetected. But rarely, these changes provide cells with an advantage, helping them to grow more and survive better, allowing them to form a collection of cancer cells known as a tumor. The cancer cells in a tumor also change over time as they acquire more damage, and this makes them more difficult to treat effectively. As cancer cells evolve, they frequently acquire new abilities like movement from the original site, and the formation of new tumors at other locations in the body, known as metastasis. Metastatic cancer that has moved from the primary site is more difficult to locate and treat effectively. 

To learn more about each of our Research Scientists and the work they’re doing, visit our “Meet the Researchers” page.