Released on: May 14, 2008, 6:52 am

Press Release Author: Iris Conseil

Industry: Healthcare

Press Release Summary: Ontario Government Invests In International Cancer Genome
Consortium

Press Release Body: May 2008
ONTARIO COORDINATING GLOBAL EFFORT TO FIGHT CANCER
Ontario Government Invests In International Cancer Genome Consortium
TORONTO -- Ontario will coordinate a new global effort to investigate the links
between genetics and cancer. New information will help health care professionals
detect cancer earlier and treat patients more effectively.
The International Cancer Genome Consortium will work with the Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research (OICR) to coordinate the work of scientists around the world. A new
unit hosted at the OICR will collect research data and share it with scientists
worldwide. Genetic information derived from cancer cells will help identify better
ways to kill tumours and tailor treatment to specific cancer types.
The government is investing $40 million in the ten-year project. It will be a magnet
for other investments and create jobs for more than 50 researchers. The project is
part of Ontario\'s $3-billion innovation agenda, which is aimed at building a
stronger economy, creating high-quality jobs and improving life for people.
\"Cancer is devastating to families and that\'s why we\'re doing all we can to help
save lives. This investment puts Ontario at the forefront of international research
that will save lives around the world,\" said Premier Dalton McGuinty.
\"In just two years the OICR has earned an international reputation for unique and
innovative research, attracting many top researchers from around the globe,\" said
Minister of Research and Innovation John Wilkinson. \"Ontarians can be proud that the
international cancer research community has chosen OICR as the location for this
invaluable and massive undertaking.\"
\"The Ontario government\'s strong innovation agenda and large investments in cancer
research were instrumental in my decision to become OICR\'s President and Scientific
Director and in attracting top talent such as Dr. John McPherson and Dr. Lincoln
Stein to OICR. OICR was chosen to host the ICGC secretariat and data centre because
of the strong team we have built with the government\'s support,\" said Dr. Tom
Hudson, Scientific Director and President of the Ontario Institute for Cancer
Research. \"Our province has built an international reputation for research
excellence, and the government\'s commitment to innovation is now being recognized on
the international stage.\"
More than 60,000 Ontarians are diagnosed with cancer each year. The cancer genome
project will generate 25,000 times more data than the Human Genome Project. Toronto
is the fourth-largest biomedical research centre in North America. Each new
research and development job creates four to seven related jobs.
Renseignements:
Ray Lancashire, Media Relations, Invest Ontario
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Tel: (416) 326-1608
E-mail: ray.lancashire@ontario.ca

Contact Presse : IRIS Conseil
Christine Arnal
44, Rue de Varenne - 75007 - Paris
Tel : 01 45 44 04 21 & Fax : 01 45 44 18 14
E-mail : c.arnal@iris-conseil.net & Site : http://www.iris-conseil.net


Web Site: http://iris-conseil.net

Contact Details: Contact Presse : IRIS Conseil
Christine Arnal
44, Rue de Varenne - 75007 - Paris
Tel : 01 45 44 04 21 & Fax : 01 45 44 18 14
E-mail : c.arnal@iris-conseil.net & Site : http://www.iris-conseil.net