BC Researchers Recognized as World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds


Four BC Cancer Agency researchers have been included in The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds 2014 publication by Thomson Reuters: Dr. Joseph Connors and Dr. Randy Gascoyne for Clinical Medicine, Dr. Marco Marra for Molecular Biology and Genetics and Dr. Steven Jones for Computing Science.

This publication recognizes influential leaders in the sciences and social sciences, who are on the cutting edge of their fields and performing and publishing work recognized by their peers as vital to the advancement of science.

Over the past ten years, Drs Joseph Connors, Randy Gascoyne and Marco Marra have been at the forefront of genomic analysis and its ever-increasing role in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Their latest research is identifying gene mutations in different forms of lymphoma, an important first step in developing effective treatments for the disease.

The BC Cancer Agency’s Genome Sciences Centre is a world renowned centre for DNA sequencing technologies. Dr. Steven Jones works with Dr. Marra in the BC Cancer Agency’s Genome Sciences Centre, providing an integral backbone of support for the cancer research underway across many different cancer types.

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Donors Enable Purchase of Much-Needed Equipment

Over the past decade, scientists at the BC Cancer Agency’s Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) have gained a venerable reputation for identifying genetic mutations in cancer cells. These experts can now also research the underlying role these mutations have on proteins to cause cancer cells to form and multiply; this field of study is known as proteomics.

Thanks to BC Cancer Foundation donors, a major expansion of the Mass Spectrometry Instrumentation Suite (MSIS) is now installed at the BC Cancer Research Centre. Dr. Gregg Morin and his colleagues will now be able to accurately measure infinitesimal differences in the mass of cancer-causing proteins, differentiating them from proteins with no cancer-causing function.

The equipment acquired is uncommon in Canada: the MSIS is one of only three suites available in B.C. and the only one dedicated exclusively to cancer research. Installed at the GSC and accessible to all relevant research groups, this revolutionary technology will significantly impact research into all cancer types.

Revolutionary Device for Detection of Skin Cancer Available to View at the BC Cancer Foundation Provincial Office

Verisante Technology, Inc. has partnered with the BC Cancer Foundation to showcase Verisante Aura™, a device for the detection of skin cancer.

“We are very appreciative of the BC Cancer Foundation’s support for Verisante and for Aura™ and also for the Foundation’s dedication to raising awareness of the risks of skin cancer with the general public,” said Thomas Braun, President & CEO of Verisante.

An Aura™ has been placed at the Foundation’s Provincial Office in Vancouver for display and educational purposes, and tours of the BC Cancer Agency Vancouver Centre will now feature a demonstration.

“Our unique relationship with the BC Cancer Agency allows our donors to be part of research discoveries made right here in British Columbia,” said Doug Nelson, President & CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation. “Verisante Aura™ is one of those made in B.C. inventions coming out of the leading edge technology and research efforts of the BC Cancer Agency. Our Foundation is pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate and promote this exciting technology.”

To book a tour or learn more about the Aura™, please contact: Cary Gaymond at cary.gaymond@bccancer.bc.ca or 604-877-6152.