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Can type 2 diabetes go into remission?
For Wayne Kristoff, the possibility of getting off all medication for his type 2 diabetes was so intriguing he jumped at a chance to participate in an innovative trial in London. The REMIT study aims to induce remission of the condition – an exciting new concept being tested by researchers at Lawson Health Research Institute.
Kristoff was diagnosed in June 2014, which was difficult but not unexpected because there is a history of the illness in his family. He had to work his way up to taking four pills a day for his diabetes, which came with significant side effects. “If there was a way to get off medication, I wanted to be part of it,” says the 68 year-old.
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He met the study criteria and was enrolled in February 2016. The results, so far, have been life changing for the Londoner. Since May 2016 Kristoff (right) has been off all medication, his blood sugar levels are good, and he has more energy and feels better than he has in years. He’s also lost 30 pounds thanks to the support offered by the research team.
“I remember well where I was and what I was doing when I received the call telling me that I could stop taking all of my diabetic medication,” adds Kristoff.
A second REMIT trial is now being launched, providing another opportunity for individuals with type 2 diabetes to take part. The trial challenges traditional type 2 diabetes treatment by testing an aggressive approach in recently diagnosed patients. St. Joseph’s Hospital in London is one of seven Canadian sites taking part in the landmark REMIT study. Being led by the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI), a joint institute of McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, the trial follows a PHRI pilot study of early aggressive treatment that resulted in up to 40 per cent of 83 patients with type 2 diabetes going into remission and not needing any diabetes treatment for at least three months.
When Lawson launched the initial trial in December 2015, it generated a surge of interest with more than 200 people with type 2 diabetes asking to participate.
“The idea of remission in type 2 diabetes is obviously captivating to both patients and clinicians,” says Lawson researcher and endocrinologist Dr. Irene Hramiak, Chief of the Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at St. Joseph’s. “This overwhelming interest in the REMIT trial tells me that patients want solutions that will optimize care and reduce the complications associated with this disease.”
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The standard treatment for people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is to start on a single medication, which is then followed by the addition of more drugs and insulin as the disease progresses, explains Dr. Hramiak. In the REMIT study, patients undergo an experimental intensive treatment - two diabetes oral medications plus insulin at bedtime - for three months to see if remission can be induced and how long patients can go without any medication.
“By being proactive with aggressive treatment early on, the theory is that we may slow the progression of the disease,” says Dr. Hramiak. “We are attempting to actually change the disease and induce remission, which is a significant departure from the current approach.”
Those who would like more information about the trial can call 519 646-6100 ext. 65373.
Canadian researchers will test a promising new fecal microbiota treatment on patients to cure advanced melanoma
The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is uniting with a team of 12 researchers and collaborators to lead one of the world’s largest randomized controlled clinical trials using fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to improve the effectiveness of the standard of care for advanced melanoma. This phase II trial is made possible by investments of $1 million each from CCS and the Weston Family Foundation and will be overseen by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group.
An estimated 11,300 Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with melanoma in 2024. The current standard of care for patients with advanced melanoma is a type of immunotherapy called immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and while it plays an important role in treatment, more than half of patients will still experience disease progression and unfortunately die of the disease. Finding a path to make this treatment effective for more people would have enormous impact on patient care and significantly improve the odds of surviving advanced melanoma.
The funding from CCS and the Weston Family Foundation supports all translational research and part of the trial costs (study ME17). The study is being co-led by researchers from Université de Montréal's affiliated hospital research centre (CRCHUM) and Lawson Health Research Institute, alongside collaborators and close to 130 patients with advanced melanoma who will be recruited throughout Canada to participate in this study.
The phase II trial builds on previous research that also received funding support from CCS. Those studies showed the safety and therapeutic potential of using healthy donors’ stool to influence a patient’s gut microbiota and make treatment for advanced melanoma more effective. The study will administer fecal microbiota transplants using specially-prepared oral capsules produced and pioneered at Lawson Health Research Institute, which have been a game changer in patient acceptance and ease of use.
For the past five years, the Weston Family Foundation has supported Canadian researchers working to leverage the microbiome to improve cancer diagnostics, therapy and patient care.
The biggest and most critical issues related to cancer, such as improving treatment effectiveness for people living with melanoma, are issues that require collaboration. From researchers to clinical trial leaders, to academic and scientific institutions, to caring funders and generous donors, it takes a society to transform cancer. To support cancer research and clinical trials, visit cancer.ca.
Quotes
“What saved me was trusting the scientists who knew what they were doing and the promising results of the clinical trial. To someone who is diagnosed, I would say that if you are offered this treatment, it may sound strange, but it is to help you. Thank you to the partners and the CRCHUM team for their support and for the treatments that went wonderfully well and saved my life." - Louise-Hélène Giroux, diagnosed in 2021 with stage 4 melanoma, first patient in the phase I clinical trial in Quebec to try FMT treatment
“Because of the generosity of our donors, we are able to invest in world-leading cancer research and clinical trials like this trial focused on advanced melanoma. In 2020, together with the Lotte and John Hecht Memorial Foundation, we committed nearly $1.5M into this research through an Impact Grant. Today, we are joining with the Weston Family Foundation to double down on our original investment through this clinical trial because we believe this work will transform the future of melanoma, saving lives and bringing hope to thousands of people facing the disease every year in this country.” – Dr. Stuart Edmonds, Executive Vice President, Mission, Research and Advocacy, Canadian Cancer Society
“The Weston Family Foundation is thrilled to support this pioneering research into the role of the microbiome in the fight against cancer, which has real potential to transform treatments and care for this devastating disease. It's a bold step forward in our mission to invest in innovation that delivers measurable impacts to the well-being of Canadians. Working alongside forward-thinking researchers and partners like the Canadian Cancer Society will make way for advancements that help to bring hope to patients and families affected by melanoma.” – Garfield Mitchell, Chair, Weston Family Foundation
“We are aiming to safely change the patient’s gut microbiota to improve the benefit of immunotherapy in several cancers, including melanoma. This experimental treatment consists of transplanting stool from healthy donors using a Health Canada-approved process - known as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). With this investment, we can pursue our randomized trial, with the goal of improving the lives of patients with advanced melanoma. We are optimistic that we will see promising results.” – Dr. Arielle Elkrief, principal investigator, Clinician-Scientist, Université de Montréal-affiliated hospital research centre (CRCHUM)
“Our early research has shown the safety of combining FMT with immunotherapy and that it may improve outcomes for patients with melanoma. Through this new trial, we hope to demonstrate that the combination is more effective than immunotherapy alone. A positive result would lead to a phase III trial with the potential to make FMT with immunotherapy the new standard of care.” - Dr. John Lenehan, Medical Oncologist at the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre at London Health Sciences Centre and Associate Scientist at Lawson Health Research Institute, Co-chair of ME17 trial
The researchers and collaborators
The phase II clinical trial, known as the ME17 Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in combination with immune checkpoint blockade in patients with advanced melanoma: A randomized phase II trial, involves several highly collaborative experts who will be working with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) who will administer the trial nationally. For the translational research associated with the trial, the project team includes:
Co-Principal Investigators:
Dr. Janet Dancey, Medical Oncologist and Professor, Queen’s University, Director of the Canadian Cancer Trials Group
Dr. Arielle Elkrief, Clinician-Scientist and Assistant Professor, Université de Montréal-affiliated hospital research centre (CRCHUM)
Dr. John Lenehan, Medical Oncologist at LHSC’s Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre, Associate Scientist, Lawson Health Research Institute
Dr. Bertrand Routy, Clinician-Scientist and Associate Professor, Université de Montréal-affiliated hospital research centre (CRCHUM)
Dr. Saman Maleki, Scientist, Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre's (LHSC) Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre and Ontario Institute of Cancer Research (OICR)
Dr. Michael Silverman, Scientist, Lawson Health Research Institute, Medical Director of the Infectious Disease Care Program at St. Joseph’s Health Care London
Collaborators:
Dr. Seema Parvathy, Lawson Health Research Institute
Dr. Marcus Butler, Leader of the CCTG Melanoma Disease Site Committee, Princess Margaret Cancer Center
Dr. Rahima Jamal, hemato-oncologist, researcher and medical director at the Unit for Innovative Therapies (Phase I-II Unit), Université de Montréal-affiliated hospital research centre (CRCHUM)
Dr. Ian Watson, Associate Professor and Co-chair CCTG Melanoma Disease Committee, McGill University
Dr. Bingshu Chen, Professor, Queen’s University
Dr. Meriem Messaoudene, Research Associate, Université de Montréal-affiliated hospital research centre (CRCHUM)
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.
About the Weston Family Foundation
At the Weston Family Foundation (formerly The W. Garfield Weston Foundation), more than 60 years of philanthropy have taught us that there’s a relationship between healthy landscapes and healthy people. That’s why we champion world-class health research and innovation with the same passion that we support initiatives to protect and restore biodiversity on our unique landscapes. We take a collaborative approach to philanthropy, working alongside forward-thinking partners to advance Canada and create lasting impacts. We aspire to do more than provide funding; we want to enable others to find transformational ways to improve the well-being of Canadians.
Research Area
Scientist
Canadian team first in world to treat COVID-19 with specialized dialysis
LONDON, ON - As part of a randomized controlled trial, a team from Lawson Health Research Institute is the first in the world to treat a patient with COVID-19 using a modified dialysis device. The device gently removes a patient’s blood, modifies white blood cells and returns them to fight hyperinflammation. It is being tested with critically ill patients at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).
Evidence suggests that COVID-19 causes a heightened immune response, termed a ‘cytokine storm,’ in the most severely ill patients. Treatment options to address this hyperinflammatory state are currently limited and there are concerns about global drug shortages.
“Working in the intensive care unit (ICU), I was aware that more treatment options were needed in the fight against COVID-19,” says Dr. Chris McIntyre, lead researcher, Lawson Scientist and LHSC Nephrologist. “This led to the idea of treating a patient’s blood outside of the body. We could reprogram white blood cells associated with inflammation to alter the immune response.”
The research uses a modified version of a standard dialyzer called an extracorporeal leukocyte modifying device. It gently removes blood in a much slower circuit than standard dialysis. Through a process using specific levels of biochemical components, it targets and transforms white blood cells associated with inflammation before releasing them back into circulation. The hope is that these ‘reprogrammed’ cells will now fight hyperinflammation - rather than promoting it - in affected organs like the lungs.
The clinical trial will include up to 40 critically ill patients with COVID-19 at LHSC’s Victoria Hospital and University Hospital. Research participants will be randomized to receive either standard supportive care or standard supportive care in combination with this novel treatment. The research team will compare patient outcomes to determine if the treatment is effective.
“The ultimate goal is to improve patient survival and lessen their dependency on oxygen and ventilation,” explains Dr. McIntyre. “If effective, it’s possible that this treatment could be combined with other therapies. For example, this could be used to modulate inflammatory consequences while an antiviral drug is used to reduce the viral load.”
Led by Lawson’s Kidney Clinical Research Unit, this new trial was accelerated from initial conception to treatment of the first patient in only 40 days. It represents an important research collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. The trial is leveraging insights gained from another local study led by Dr. Douglas Fraser which is analyzing blood samples from COVID-19 patients at LHSC to better understand the cytokine storm.
“We’re identifying which cytokines or biomarkers are important to the hyperinflammatory response seen in COVID-19 patients,” says Dr. Fraser, Scientist at Lawson and Paediatric Critical Care Physician at LHSC. “With the knowledge we’re gaining, we can study a patient’s blood to determine whether this extracorporeal treatment is making a difference.”
If successful, the treatment also has potential to be used with other conditions like sepsis.
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This modified dialysis device gently removes a patient’s blood, 'reprograms' white blood cells and returns them to fight hyperinflammation.
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Dr. Chris McIntyre, Scientist at Lawson Health Research Institute, is the first in the world to treat a patient with COVID-19 using a modified dialysis device.
About Lawson Health Research Institute
Lawson Health Research Institute is one of Canada’s top hospital-based research institutes, tackling the most pressing challenges in health care. As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London, our innovation happens where care is delivered. Lawson research teams are at the leading-edge of science with the goal of improving health and the delivery of care for patients. Working in partnership with Western University, our researchers are encouraged to pursue their curiosity, collaborate often and share their discoveries widely. Research conducted through Lawson makes a difference in the lives of patients, families and communities around the world. To learn more, visit www.lawsonresearch.ca.
Media Contacts
Celine Zadorsky
Senior Media Relations Consultant
Communications & Public Engagement
T: 519-685-8500 ext. 73502
Celine.zadorsky@lhsc.on.ca
Capturing bacteria’s grand ballet
In a world first, scientists at Lawson Research Institute are leveraging imaging technology to see and track microbes and provide an unprecedented glimpse of the human microbiome.
Within each of us is a world populated by a bustling metropolis of microorganisms – a tapestry of trillions in a delicate dance to balance health, well-being and vitality.
Far outnumbering human cells, this dynamic ecosystem of busy bacteria, industrious fungi and elusive viruses is the body’s microbiome. This invisible hive of ceaseless activity is so intrinsic to human health, its explorers say it should perhaps be considered an organ in its own right.
Now, in a world first, Lawson Health Research scientists studying this microcosmic underworld are making the invisible visible – in real time.
The team of Jeremy Burton, PhD, Research Chair of Human Microbiome and Probiotics and Director of the Canadian Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotic Research at St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s), is using imaging technology to see and track microbes, providing a perspective never before achieved.
“Typically, we track microbes by analyzing samples from patients after treatment to improve their gut health with probiotics or microbiota transplantation (FMT),” explains Burton, whose endowed research chair is funded through St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation. “While we can get detailed information through DNA sequencing techniques, this often takes many months and relies on collecting fecal samples and other samples that may not be easily obtained. It also doesn’t provide all the information we need, like exactly where the microbes have travelled and how long they live.”
'Fantastic insight'
Imaging the microbes allows the Lawson team “to see things in real-time and not worry about clinical samples,” he adds.
Donna Goldhawk, PhD, molecular imaging scientist with Lawson’s Imaging Research Program, explains that imaging is done by attaching a radioactive tracer to cells, such as bacteria, that can be ingested and visualized in the body with positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI).
Imagine it as a biological version of an AirTag that tracks specific microbes.
“Lawson's environment has been a catalyst for new ideas, collaborations and many Canadian firsts.” - Michael Kovacs, Program Lead, Lawson’s Imaging Research Program, and Lead, Cyclotron & PET Radiochemistry Facility
“It’s through this pipeline that we gain fantastic insight into how the microbiome supports human health,” she says.
As an example, tracking microbes allows the scientists to see if they are close to or crossing over the gut cell wall.
“This is critical information because the proximity of microbes to the cell wall will likely determine if the probiotic or FMT therapy is effective or not,” says Burton. “We can now potentially track microbes that we administer to people in real-time and, in the future, be able to tell how sick people are and if they have a dysfunctional microbiota. Eventually, this information will be linked to their other health information for a complete picture.”
Uniquely St. Joseph’s
He notes the work “could only happen here” at St. Joseph’s, with its leading-edge imaging, production of novel tracers (isotopes) within Lawson’s Cyclotron & PET Radiochemistry Facility, and with world-class collaborative expertise – all fueled by the generosity of donors.
Working with Burton and Goldhawk are Lawson scientists, Michael Kovacs, PhD, Frank Prato, PhD, Dr. Michael Silverman, Seema Nair Parvathy, PhD, and Neil Gelman, PhD.
“This exciting work illustrates how innovative technologies can emerge when diverse groups collaborate closely in a multi-disciplinary approach to research within a hospital setting,” says Michael Kovacs, Program Lead, Lawson’s Imaging Research Program, and Lead, Cyclotron & PET Radiochemistry Facility. “Lawson's environment has been a catalyst for new ideas, collaborations and many Canadian firsts.”
The potential impact cannot be over-stated, adds Burton.
“This is the pathway to revolutionizing the way we understand the microbiome in people,” he says. “We’ve spent so long trying to eradicate microbes and studying the ones that cause ill health. Only relatively recently have we begun to study the ones that cause good health. That’s a dramatic shift in approach and, while we’ve come a long way, we’re really only getting started.”
… rare, the risk of developing a serious rash is increased in patients of Asian ancestry, particularly those of Han … rare, the risk of developing a serious rash is increased in patients of Asian ancestry, particularly those of Han …
CARING FOR THE BODY, MIND & SPIRIT SINCE 1869 Renowned for compassionate care, St. Joseph's is one of the best academic health care organizations in Canada dedicated to helping people live to their fullest by minimizing the effects of injury, disease and disability through excellence in care, teachi...
t~ STJOSEPHs HEALTH CARE LONDON Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Program Patient Education Guide CARING FOR THE BODY, MIND & SPIRIT SINCE 1869 Renowned for compassionate care, St. Josephs is one of the best academic health care organizations in Canada ...
… multidisciplinary program for cardiac surgical and medical patients. Physician referral is required with no fee for service. During the six-month program, patients receive medical management, an exercise program and … modification therapy, CRSP is dedicated to helping patients manage their cardiovascular risk factors in order …
Guide for Referring Physicians The Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Program (CRSP) is an out-patient, multidisciplinary program for cardiac surgical and medical patients. Physician referral is required with no fee for service. During the six-month program, patients receive medical man...
Caring for our health care system
8:30pm - 11:00pm
LAWSON PRESENTS CAFÉ SCIENTIFIQUE
Caring for our health care system:
Why we should give a darn about medical research
What does health care mean to Canadians? What about those of us who have experienced a care journey first-hand, either as a patient or family member? Health care is a point of pride in this country, but many Canadians worry that our system is falling behind.
Every day, health researchers are working with patients, industry and other partners to find real and sustainable solutions. Despite recent investments in medical research on a national level after years of underfunding, there is still much work to do.
Join Lawson Health Research Institute for our next Café Scientifique event to hear a panel of researchers talk about what they do and why medical research matters for all of us.
- Dr. Amer Burhan, Geriatric Neuropsychiatrist and Clinician Scientist
- Dr. Kelly Vogt, Trauma and General Surgeon and Clinician Scientist
- MODERATOR – Dr. Cheryl Forchuk, Beryl and Richard Ivey Research Chair in Aging, Mental Health, Rehabilitation and Recovery
Event Details
- Date: Monday, October 7, 2019
- Time: 5-7 pm (doors open at 4:30 pm).
This is NEW timing so that guests are free to watch the English-language leaders’ debate! - Location: Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre, 591 Wellington Rd, London, ON N6C 4R3
Map and directions - Parking: Free on-site parking
This is a free event and online registration is REQUIRED.
Click here to register.
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… program/patients/vision Improving your ability to tolerate light and … may get worse before they start to improve but we have seen patients slowly but steadily make changes in this area using … program/patients/vision Improving your ability to tolerate light and …
Parkwood Institute Acquired Brain Injury Outpatient Program Tip sheet Light sensitivity What is light and visual motion sensitivity and how can it impact you? Sensitivity to light is a very common symptom after a brain injury/concussion. People often find bright indoor or outdoor light is uncomforta...
… mental and emotional strength and develop resilience Our patients who practice mindfulness say it has helped them … mental and emotional strength and develop resilience Our patients who practice mindfulness say it has helped them …
Parkwood Institute Acquired Brain Injury Outpatient Program Tip sheet Mindfulness What is mindfulness? The practice of mindfulness involves directing your attention to and maintaining an awareness of the present moment. In simple terms, mindfulness is paying attention to how you feel, what you are t...
Parkwood Institute Acquired Brain Injury Outpatient Program Tip sheet Managing Noise Sensitivity Key points 1. Its very common after a brain injury to find it difficult to be in noisy environments. 2. Being surrounded by sound may bring on your symptoms, perhaps causing you to avoid places and event...
Case report describes suspected new type of vaping-related lung injury
A team of authors from Lawson Health Research Institute and University Health Network (UHN) have released details on Canada’s first published case of suspected vaping-related lung injury. Published today in CMAJ, the case study may be the first to describe a new type of injury from vaping products.
The case differs from those described in the recent rise of vaping-related lung injuries called EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury), which are characterized by a specific type of damage called alveolar injury. This case instead represents a lung injury that appears similar to “popcorn lung,” a condition seen in microwave popcorn factory workers exposed to the chemical diacetyl. The condition causes bronchiolitis where the small airways in the lungs become inflamed and damaged.
The authors describe a case of life-threatening bronchiolitis in a 17-year-old Ontario male who initially sought care after a week of persistent cough. He was eventually hospitalized needing life support in the intensive care unit. After ruling out other causes in the previously healthy teen, the authors suspected flavoured e-liquids as the culprit. The patient had been vaping daily using a variety of flavoured cartridges and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
“This case of life-threatening bronchiolitis was challenging. The damage appeared similar to that seen in factory workers exposed to diacetyl,” explains lead author Dr. Karen Bosma, Associate Scientist at Lawson and Critical Care Specialist at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). “Given the patient’s vaping activity and the absence of other causes, we suspect his lungs became damaged from vaping compounds.”
The youth narrowly avoided the need for a double lung transplant. He spent a total of 47 days in hospital and suffered chronic damage to his airways. He is currently recovering from his lengthy intensive care unit stay and is abstaining from e-cigarettes, marijuana and tobacco.
"This case highlights significant harm that could come from vaping. This risk is particularly specific to teens and young people who are the largest users of these products," says Dr. Inderdeep Dhaliwal, Respirologist at LHSC. "Now with awareness, we hope this work stimulates further research on the mechanisms and causation of vaping-associated lung injury."
Earlier this fall, the Middlesex-London Health Unit reported on the youth’s condition as the first case of vaping-related lung injury in Canada as an early warning. This research case study provides detailed medical information on the extent and type of injury, as well as treatment. Emerging reports indicate that e-cigarettes are causing a variety of lung illnesses and injuries. According to a 2017 report, e-cigarettes are the most commonly used nicotine products by Canadian youth with an estimated 272,000 reporting use within the last 30 days.
“E-liquids expose users to several potentially harmful chemicals. While we can’t be sure of the exact mechanism in this case, it was reported to Health Canada for further investigation,” says Dr. Constance Mackenzie, Respirologist and Toxicologist at LHSC and St. Joseph’s Health Care London. “It highlights the need for further research into the safety and toxicity of e-liquid compounds, and awareness of the various types of lung injury that can result from vaping.”
"We want the medical community to be aware that vaping-related lung injury may present in many different ways, and to report any cases to Health Canada for further investigation," says Dr. Simon Landman, Medical Fellow at LHSC. "We are urging patients and their families to take vaping-related lung injury seriously, and recognize that vaping may cause both short- and long-term injury to the lungs."
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Above: Dr. Karen Bosma, lead author on the paper, and Dr. Simon Landman, first author on the paper
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Celebrating Clinical Trials Day
Clinical trials are the gold standard in medical research, used to test new treatments and medical devices to ensure they are safe and improve patient outcomes.
Each year on May 20, Clinical Trials Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of clinical trials. At Lawson Health Research Institute, our researchers, research staff and learners across London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s) are working daily to advance clinical trials for some of the most pressing health challenges.
“If you look at many areas of medicine, like cancer and cardiovascular disease, part of why those conditions have had dramatic improvements in outcomes over the last several decades is because of clinical trials,” says Dr. Amit Garg, Scientist at Lawson, Lead for the Kidney, Dialysis & Transplantation Research Program at ICES Western, and a Nephrologist at LHSC.
Clinical trials can also provide patient participants with new treatment options and can demonstrate when existing treatments have applications for other diseases.
“We could not conduct clinical trials without patients participating in them,” adds Dr. David Palma, Associate Scientist at Lawson and Radiation Oncologist at LHSC. “A clinical trial is a very rigorous process where we carefully define a treatment and follow patients very closely with extra interventions and tests to see not only how the disease is responding to treatment, but also any effects on a patient’s quality of life.”
It also takes a team to make clinical trials a success, including the critical work of research coordinators, associates and assistants, adds Dr. Swati Mehta, Lawson Scientist based at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute.
Dr. Palma also notes that while clinical trials require investment to conduct them, they can ultimately lead to savings in the health system.
“While the primary goal of a clinical trial is to improve or save lives, they often lead to cost savings down the road. Improving cure rates means people don’t need as much treatment and that can save the initial investment many, many times over,” Palma says.
Looking ahead, work is ongoing to make clinical trials more efficient and equitable.
“Eliminating specialized infrastructure would help make trials more equitable, so they are available in smaller communities and at distant sites that otherwise would not have access. Making study materials available in multiple languages and to anyone with accessibility issues can also help,” Garg adds.
“Future clinical trials will need to follow more pragmatic, adaptive study designs that allow us to evaluate therapies or interventions in a more realistic setting,” Dr. Mehta says. “These would also allow us to follow-up with patients that were potentially underrepresented in past research.”
According to researchers at Lawson, the future of clinical trials is bright with hundreds of trials currently underway at LHSC and St. Joseph’s with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
Celebrating health research excellence with the 2023 Lawson Impact Awards
For the first time since 2019, Lawson Health Research Institute hosted its annual Lawson Impact Awards in-person on November 28 at RBC Place London. Approximately 130 people gathered to celebrate scientists, staff members, learners and partners who have made remarkable contributions to hospital-based research at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s).
“Important and groundbreaking science is conducted daily at Lawson, improving patient care locally and around the globe,” says Dr. David Hill, Scientific Director at Lawson. “The Lawson Impact Awards provides an opportunity for us to recognize the scientists, staff members, learners and partners who drive medical research forward.”
Eight Lawson Impact Award recipients were celebrated at the event, including:
- Leadership Award for Fellows & Students: Dr. John Tran
- Staff Award of Excellence: Alexandria Roa Agudelo
- Community Partner of the Year Award: Keith and Leanne Lavergne
- Community Partner of the Year Award: Jack and Jean Wettlaufer Family
- Community Partner of the Year Award: Ryan Finch
- Dr. Joseph Gilbert Research Contribution of The Year Award: Dr. David Palma for “Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy versus standard of care palliative treatment in patients with oligometastatic cancers (SABR-COMET): a randomised, phase 2, open-label trial”
- Innovation Award: Dr. Manuel Montero-Odasso
- Scientist of The Year Award: Dr. Cheryl Forchuk
Two Children’s Health Research Institute (CHRI) award recipients were also recognized. As a program of Lawson, CHRI awards a Scientist and Trainee of the Year annually, sponsored by the Children’s Health Foundation. CHRI’s 2022 award recipients are: Dr. Emma Duerden (CHRI Scientist of the Year) and Kendrick Lee (CHRI Deb Comuzzi Trainee of the Year).
“This year, we recognized a number of leading research professionals from across LHSC and St. Joseph’s who are helping to advance patient care in London and around the world,” adds Dr. Hill. “We were also honoured to recognize three Community Partners of the Year for their generous support of health research.”
Learn more about each recipient on our Impact Awards page and visit the Lawson YouTube channel to watch videos highlighting each of the award recipients.
Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science
To mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Dr. Michelle Barton-Forbes, Associate Scientist at Lawson Health Research Institute and Division Head of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), shares her journey and advice for young women who are considering a career in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
“As a child I had a curious mind and I was always asking questions, wanting to figure out how things worked. As I got older, I also wanted to know how we could make things better,” she says. “I found a love for math and that had me wanting to solve puzzles and understand statistics from an early age.”
Dr. Barton-Forbes also loved chemistry and considered engineering, but says she was a people person. After spending some time in hospital interacting with doctors and nurses, she decided medicine would be the best way to combine her love of science and helping people.
Today she is using her love of math and science in her work at LHSC.
Growing up in Jamaica she saw first-hand the impact of infectious diseases on children in the developing world, where immunizations like those to prevent bacterial meningitis had not yet been introduced. Now her research focus is on infections in vulnerable patients such as neonates, including congenital and perinatal infections like cytomegalovirus and herpes, preventable diseases like COVID-19 in children, and studies in the Black community that address natural and vaccine immune responses to COVID-19. In her role as Chair of the Canadian Paediatric Society’s Infectious Disease and Immunization Committee, she also contributes to the development of national guidelines addressing treatment and prevention of infections in children.
Having women in science is about equity, but also about efficiency says Dr. Barton-Forbes.
“There should be more interest in advancing more women in STEM, otherwise we aren’t maximizing on the talents and capabilities of a significant proportion of our population,” she notes.
Dr. Barton-Forbes points out that women bring unique perspectives to research. While she believes that women already in STEM are crucial in encouraging the younger generation by sharing their energy and passion, more needs to be done.
“I think the approach has to be not just at an individual level, but also at the institutional, national and global level to try to promote interest in STEM,” Dr. Barton-Forbes says.
More STEM programs, starting at the elementary school level, as well as targeted prizes, awards and scholarships are essential, she says, as well as removing additional barriers for equity-deserving populations.
“When we speak about women in science, I think there has to be a greater intentional effort to ensure that ethnic minorities are included and supported.”
And young women need to see representation at the highest levels of leadership as well, she says.
“We need more role models that can encourage at all levels, and we need programs that are deliberate in creating opportunities that improve access and ensure mentorship.”
When asked about advice for women starting a career in science, Dr. Barton-Forbes offers the following:
- Connect to a community of mentors to share ideas and find a sponsor or coach.
- Believe in yourself. Don’t second guess your ability.
- Capitalize on conferences and networks to keep up-to-date on new opportunities.
- Don’t be afraid to stand out and ask questions.
Reflecting on her own journey as a woman in science, Dr. Barton-Forbes is proud of her work.
“The research I do explores risk factors and outcomes, allowing us to identify those most likely to get a disease and predict those likely to do poorly. This helps us target our treatment and prevention to those most in need and therefore make a bigger difference. I get to see the impact of my research on children’s lives. This brings me the greatest joy because it means I am changing their trajectory and improving outcomes. Not only that, I can identify who is at risk and help prevent it from happening.”
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Amanda Taccone
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Lawson Health Research Institute
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Celebrating International Women’s Day
To mark International Women’s Day, two early career researchers at Lawson Health Research Institute are sharing their experiences as women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). They shared the support they’ve experienced in their careers, the importance of women’s voices in medical research and how to encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM.
Early access and mentorship are key: Dr. Funmbi Babalola
Dr. Babalola is a Paediatric Endocrinologist at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and an Associate Scientist at Lawson Health Research Institute. She helped pioneer the start of a Paediatric Rare Bone Disease Clinic at Children’s Hospital in 2022 which provides multi-disciplinary care for patients, so they no longer have to travel outside of London for treatment. As a clinician researcher, her areas of interest are paediatric diabetes and calcium and bone metabolism disorders. She is currently involved in several clinical trials and studies.
She credits mentorship and the support of educators early in her career journey with encouraging her interest in science and says that is key for being more welcoming to women in STEM.
“In Grade 12 my biology teacher recommended I go to an advanced placement school. That was when I had my first experience with research,” says Dr. Babalola. “When I got to my undergraduate work, I found a woman mentor who was a powerhouse and had a vision, and I was able to publish two papers during that time and had such a positive experience. I went straight to medical school after that and continued to do research. I think I’ve been really lucky with all the people that I’ve worked with and who have encouraged me as I built my research career.”
Dr. Babalola says she is fortunate to be a researcher in a time when women’s voices are finally being heard and welcomed.
“I think my perspective is probably different than women who were starting work 10 or 20 years ago,” she notes. “I think I’m very lucky that I entered the medical research world where a lot of women are at the table. They’re great role models and they really support and help each other.”
But she says support for research in hospitals is also crucial.
“It takes both good mentors and a culture of research to make it easier to get studies done.”
Dr. Babalola has already started mentoring new researchers, many of them women, who have approached her.
“I’m all about paying it forward. I’ve been super fortunate to have great mentors that are still continuing to mentor me, so I want to pass that knowledge on.”
Women in science are inspirational: Dr. Kait Al
Dr. Kait Al is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, working in a Lawson Health Research Institute lab at St. Joseph’s Health Care London. Dr. Al’s research focus is the role of the microbiome in urological conditions like kidney stone disease. She’s currently looking at how a microbiome with beneficial microbes could help protect healthy individuals from forming kidney stones and how optimizing the microbiome could help prevent stone recurrence in stone formers.
She believes women’s voices need to be included in research so that it is more representative of the world we live in and better addresses everyone’s health needs.
“Women bring diverse experiences and perspectives that have been historically excluded from research, along with many other underrepresented groups.”
And mentors among those voices are one of the best ways to encourage more women to get interested in science, she says, so women can see themselves in those positions.
“Seeing someone like yourself as a role model in a successful position that is passionate and curious about science can be so influential to young people,” shares Dr. Al. “As scientists, it’s important to share your work widely.”
She notes that organizations that encourage and support mentorship, as well as a flexible work culture and networking opportunities, are likely to be more welcoming to women in STEM and benefit from having them as part of the team.
“It is crucial to prioritize an inclusive and supportive mentorship environment for trainees and professionals,” says Dr. Al. “I believe work that lets you balance professional and personal commitments, which can otherwise be biased against women, is key.”
The theme for International Women’s Day in 2024 is ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ and that’s exactly what Dr. Al says she sees in other women in science.
“I am constantly inspired by women in science, from my direct colleagues to world leaders I’ve never met. I have witnessed firsthand my colleagues breaking down barriers, succeeding in challenging areas, and lifting each other up, and it really creates a culture of empowerment.”
Celebrating remarkable women in science
Chronic pain can affect every facet of a person’s life. “When someone is in pain, they can have significant difficulty with activities we all do in our daily life, from getting out of bed to walking to the mailbox. It can also impact their mental wellness,” shares Lawson Health Research Institute Scientist Dr. Siobhan Schabrun, PhD. Dr. Schabrun, who is the first ever William and Lynne Gray Endowed Research Chair in Mobility and Activity at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, has dedicated much of her career to unravelling the complex connection between the body and the mind known as neuroscience, with a focus on persistent pain.
She is currently leading groundbreaking work in understanding, treating and preventing persistent pain, offering hope for enhanced mobility and activity in individuals with musculoskeletal and neurological conditions at St. Joseph’s Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity, located at Parkwood Institute.
Dr. Schabrun’s research program has extended beyond conventional approaches, delving into the use of non-invasive brain stimulation technologies such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, more commonly known as rTMS, a therapeutic tool used in mental health treatments for decades, to augment neuroplasticity and optimize outcomes in rehabilitation.
Bridging the gap between human pain models and clinical trials, Dr. Schabrun’s work is contributing to the understanding of clinical pain populations and bringing new treatment methods to the forefront to improve patient care and outcomes.
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Celebrating the 2022 Lawson Impact Award winners
The Lawson Impact Awards are a pinnacle of celebration in the Lawson Health Research Institute community, celebrating innovation across London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph’s Health Care London. The Impact Awards recognize hospital-based research that makes a difference by advancing scientific knowledge and applying it directly to patient care.
With awards in eight categories, the annual awards honour Lawson scientists, staff, trainees and partners who demonstrate excellence.
“The Lawson Impact Awards are a celebration of the research mission of LHSC and St. Joseph’s,” says Dr. David Hill, Scientific Director at Lawson. “There is innovation happening every day here in London, Ontario. The environment and close proximity to patient care allow us to hire great scientists that flourish in our research space.”
Recognized for his high-impact work over the past several years, Dr. Douglas Fraser was named as Lawson’s Scientist of the Year – the Lawson Impact Awards’ highest honour. Dr. Fraser, who is a Scientist at Lawson and Critical Care Physician at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), has led the way in a number of areas of research. Over the past few years, he has published numerous studies and signed multiple licensing agreements that show promise for improving the diagnosis and treatment of concussion, COVID-19 and long COVID.
“Research is exciting to me and I love showing up to work. We have great colleagues, wonderful resources which allows us to ask good questions and it is a pleasure coming to work each day,” says Dr. Fraser, who is also a Professor at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. “It I always an honor to be recognized and humbling as well, because most of the work we have done has always been a group effort.”
Dr. Fraser is one of eight 2022 Lawson Impact Award recipients.
A big congratulations to all of this year’s winners, as well as our 2022 Lawson Strategic Research Fund recipients:
Scientist of The Year Award: Dr. Douglas Fraser
Dr. Joseph Gilbert Research Contribution of The Year Award: Dr. Daniel Hardy
Innovation Award: Dr. Dalton Wolfe
London Health Sciences Foundation Community Partner Of The Year Award: Archie Verspeeten
St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation Community Partner Of The Year Award: Dr. Joseph Rea
Children's Health Foundation Community Partner Of The Year Award: Dr. Paul and Mrs. Mary Harding
Leadership Award for Fellows & Students: Karnig Kazazian
Staff Award Of Excellence: Dr. Jeff Weiler
Strategic Research Fund Recipients: Dr. Matthew Teeter & Dr. Jonathan Thiessen and Dr. Luciano Sposato & Dr. Frank Prato
You can visit the full Impact Awards site by clicking here
Media Contact
Celine Zadorsky
Senior Media Relations Consultant
Communications & Public Engagement
T: 519-685-8500 ext. 73502
Celine.zadorsky@lhsc.on.ca
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