Powerful new protein-analysis equipment to be purchased through Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation’s 2019 fall Molly Appeal will help researchers in their quest for cures for cancer and many other diseases.
The Orbitrap Fusion mass spectrometer will allow researchers in Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine to analyze the proteins inside of cells rapidly, and with 50 to 100 times greater sensitivity and detail than current equipment allows.
Dr. Carman Giacomantonio, a cancer surgeon at the QEII Health Sciences Centre and professor in the Faculty of Medicine, will use the Orbitrap Fusion to develop immune therapies against melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and other forms of cancer.
“Skin cancer responds beautifully to immune therapy,” says Giacomantonio.
“Before immune therapy, most patients with metastatic melanoma died. But more than 60 per cent of advanced-stage melanoma patients we treat with immunotherapy respond to it and more than half of them are cured.”
This is good news for Islanders, who face the country’s highest rates of melanoma, a deadly skin cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma is another potentially deadly skin cancer that responds well to immune therapy, as Carol Peterson of Truro, Nova Scotia knows first-hand.
Her cancer was spreading when Giacomantonio treated her with an immune-stimulating agent. Now it is in remission.
The Orbitrap Fusion is a sophisticated piece of equipment that will cost just over $1.3 million. Federal and provincial government agencies, Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine and Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) are working together to secure the necessary funds.
DMRF’s fall 2019 Molly Appeal aims to raise $250,000 and provide a pivotal piece of the funding.
“The Orbitrap Fusion will accelerate research in all areas of Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine, the university at large, and even eastern Canada,” says Dr. Shashi Gujar, an assistant professor in the departments of Pathology and Microbiology & Immunology.
“It will allow us and our partners in industry and government to explore new territory in our search for cures for cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric illnesses and many more deadly and debilitating conditions.”
Gujar will use the equipment to develop immune therapies that stimulate the immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells.
“We are grateful for the support of Maritimers in helping us keep pace with new advances in research technology by giving to this fall’s Molly Appeal,” says Gujar.
For more information and to give to the DMRF Molly Appeal, visit mollyappeal.ca or call 902-494-3502.