APPLY FOR OUR NEW RESEARCH GRANT!



An Elevation Grant has the potential to be a multi-year grant. Applications for grants of up to $50,000.00 for one year will be considered. Successful applicants may be eligible to receive an additional $50,000.00 in year two. Consideration for year-two funding will be based on the successful completion of outlined goals for year one and the Research Committee’s consideration of impact and potential of the project to advance in a meaningful way.

Lennart van Winden

2023 Fellowship Recipient

Listen in to Lennart van Winden share an overview and provide an update on his project, 'Global proteomics reveals bidirectional integrin signaling in glioblastoma as a driver of invasion'.

Amit Singnurkar

2020 Feature Grant Recipient

Project Title: “Mapping of Essential Amino Acid Metabolism for the Detection of Glioblastoma Multiforme Spread in Post-Surgical Patients”

In this study, we will use positron emission tomography (PET) to image amino acid receptors that are known to be expressed by GB tumour tissue. Using artificial intelligence techniques, will develop a methodology to detect occult diseases on current imaging techniques using high performance computing methods to map the total extent of tumour tissue.

Silvia Penuela

2022 Feature Grant Recipient

Project Title: “Inhibition of Panx1 as a novel target for glioblastoma multiforme”

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common brain tumor in adults and the current standard of care is limited to surgery and chemotherapies that result in a median survival of 14 months, highlighting a need for new targets for treatment.

We have observed that a novel channel protein called Pannexin 1 (Panx1) is highly expressed in glioblastoma cells. This channel protein is also expressed in other cancers such as melanomas, where a reduction in its levels or a blockage with specific inhibitors reverts the cells to a more normal phenotype and reduces tumour growth and metastasis.

Rolando Del Maestro

2021 Research Grant Recipient

Project Title: “A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Expert Benchmark Feedback Systems in Simulated Brain Tumour Resection Training”

The learning of bimanual skills is very important in brain tumour surgery since errors can result in poor patient outcomes. 

We propose to test the effect of four different training systems in improving student brain tumour operative skills to learn the best method of providing information to the student which would assist the student to safely learn the operation. These studies will allow us to determine this important information without presenting any risks to patient during student brain tumour training and hopefully improve patient outcomes.

Anish Puri

2023 Studentship Recipient

Project: “uPAR as an immunotherapeutic target in recurrent Glioblastoma”

During my time here, I will explore the field of cancer biology in the context of brain tumours, specifically Glioblastoma. This award will enable me to pursue and refine my passions in advancing translational research, turning basic research findings into novel therapies and treatment strategies.

Ekaterina Tchistiakova and Nicolas Ploquin

2022 Research Grant Recipients

Project Title: “Application of machine learning and diffusion based radiomics for early detection and treatment response assessment of brain metastases”

Brain metastases are common among cancer patients and lead to significant increase in disease burden. Advanced radiation therapy techniques such as stereotactic radiosurgery can be used to treat brain metastases while sparing healthy tissues and greatly improving patients’ quality of life. Early detection of brain metastases and assessment of treatment response are critical.

Patrick Gunning

2022 Feature Grant Recipient

Project Title: “Development of Selective Small Molecule Inhibitors as Treatments for Medulloblastoma”

Brain cancers are exceptionally challenging to treat with chemotherapeutics, partly because the brain is protected by a ‘blood-brain-barrier’. This barrier serves to protect the brain from potentially harmful substances, but it can also block drugs that would be helpful. Therefore, we are developing drugs that have specific properties that allow them to cross the blood-brain-barrier.

One month. One cause. One goal!

June is Brain Tumour Walk month! You have the autonomy to get creative and decide when, where, and how you want to make an impact, all while supporting a crucial cause. As one commUNITY, we can save lives.

Register online today to receive an awesome registration gift!

Last chance to order a Hats for Hope toque or hoodie! Already have one? Get one for a friend or family member! All proceeds will go to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, supporting our mission to discover the cause and cure for brain tumours and brain cancer.