Cracking the Cancer Code
Nearly half of all Canadians will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, but for many, what would’ve been a death sentence only a decade ago, is now a manageable condition with proven treatments, thanks to amazing advancements in cancer research. Now, more than ever, adaptive and innovative thinking coupled with precise and proven tools are available to treat patients with cancer and give them not only longer lives, but also better long-term quality of life. From the lab to the real world, researchers right here in Calgary are dedicating their lives to limiting the impact of a cancer diagnosis for all patients and their loved ones. Now we’re breaking down the barriers to making these ground-breaking discoveries.
Cracking the Cancer Code is an engaging speaker series brought to you by the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, in partnership with the University of Calgary, and the Calgary Public Library. The speaker series brings researchers, clinicians, and the public together to talk about the future of cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. Join experts from the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute as they share how research is meeting the cancer challenge.
Curious about previous talks, or unable to attend in-person? Watch all previous Cracking the Cancer Code talks below.
How Molecular Biology is Revolutionizing Precision Cancer Medicine
Precision cancer medicine is changing the way we understand, diagnose, and treat cancer. Unlike traditional treatments, this approach tailors therapies to each patient’s unique biological makeup. By examining cancer at the molecular level, scientists can better predict how cancer behaves—how it grows, spreads, and responds to treatment. This means treatments are becoming more effective, personalized, and targeted than ever before.
During this engaging event, we’ll explore how the latest advancements in molecular biology and cutting-edge technologies are transforming cancer care. You’ll also learn about the challenges and opportunities in making these breakthroughs accessible to everyone.
Featured speakers:
- Dr. Etienne Mahe
- Dr. Holly Lee
- Dr. Doreen Ezeife
Redefining Cancer: Understanding the Rise of Cancer in Younger Populations
Cancer, once seen as a disease primarily affecting older populations, is now increasingly being diagnosed in younger individuals. What’s driving this shift, and how does it pose unique challenges for diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship? Experts explore the trends behind early-onset cancer, shedding light on how it’s reshaping our understanding of common cancers, treatment options, fertility preservation, and more. This event will delve into the critical need for awareness, innovative healthcare approaches, and targeted support to meet the unique needs of this growing demographic. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and discuss the future of cancer research and care.
Featured Speakers:
- Dr. Corinne Doll
- Dr. Sarah McQuillan
- Dr. Miranda Fidler-Benaoudia
Cracking the Cancer Code: The AI revolution in cancer care and research
Discover groundbreaking advancements at the intersection of AI and cancer research, where technology meets science to Crack the Cancer Code.
Change plays a crucial role in problem solving. Knowing when and how to pivot if new opportunities present themselves can make all the difference when striving to Crack the Cancer Code.
Featured Speakers:
- Dr. Matt Warkentin
- Dr. Omar Khan
- Dr. Lisa Barbera
- Dr. Andrea McNiven
Cracking the Cancer Code: Precision Cancer Medicine
Discover the latest breakthroughs as we work to crack the cancer code. For this talk we are bringing together leading medical oncologists, pioneering researchers, and courageous patients for an engaging discussion.
This discussion focuses on tailor-made therapeutics for each patient's unique disease, and how they are transforming the landscape of cancer treatment. You will get first hand insights into the ground-breaking research that underpins these innovations, as researchers delve into the molecular intricacies of cancer. You’ll have a unique chance to hear from individuals who have been instrumental in this journey, as their tissue donations paved the way for these revolutionary therapies.
Can You Hear My Voice?
This spring Charbonneau partnered with the Cumming School of Medicine and the Ohlson Research Initiative to host the first national screening of the award winning film “Can you hear my voice?”
After losing their vocal cords to cancer, individuals regained their voice through a community of song. “Can You Hear My Voice” chronicles the one-of-a-kind “Shout at Cancer” choir in the UK, whose members have all, due to medical reasons, had their voice boxes removed, as they prepare for their most ambitious concert - a sold-out performance at London’s historic Tabernacle theater. The film includes songs popularized by Nina Simone, Tears for Fears, and Louis Armstrong. Along the way, choir members’ cancer stories unfold, revealing their struggles with self-identity, self-doubt, and loss. Far from maudlin, “Can You Hear My Voice?” bears witness to the power of music, and is a triumphant testimony illuminating a universal theme - the human capacity for resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Produced and directed by Bill Brummel, a Peabody Award and International Documentary Award-winning filmmaker, and five-time national Emmy award nominee, who had his own voice box removed in 2016, due to the long-term damage caused by radiation treatments he underwent 22 years ago.
Panel discussion following the film with:
- Moderator: Dr. Joe Dort,
- Bill Brummel (Director / Producer / Cancer survivor),
- Dr. Linda Carlson (Clinical Health Psychologist, Researcher),
- Dr. Julie Deleemans (Cancer Survivor, Researcher),
- Alanna McDonough (Speech-Language Pathologist),
- Dr. Wayne Matthews (Clinician).
Allie Miller
Fighting Cancer with Microbes? That's a Thing!
I host therefore I am: Commensal microbes in health and disease by Dr. Kathy McCoy, Professor, University of Calgary, Scientific Director, International Microbiome Centre
Hijacking microbial immunity to treat cancer by Dr. Michael Monument, Assistant Professor, University of Calgary. Director, Integrated Sarcoma Research Program.
Engineering microbes for cancer immunotherapy by Ms. Jahanara Rajwani, PhD candidate
Cracking the Cancer Code: The Gene Therapy Revolution
Letting scientists be curious: The development of recombinant DNA technology by Dr. Joe Harrison
Weaponizing immune cells through bioengineering: CAR T cell therapy by Dr. Michael Chu
From defence systems to molecular medicines: Next-generation CRISPR technologies in cancer immunotherapy by Dr. Pierre Billon
Cracking the Cancer Code: Screening & Prevention
Knowing and managing your cancer risk by Dr. Aaron Goodarzi
Understanding the science behind screening by Dr. Darren Brenner
Recognizing when and why you should get checked by Ms. Bonnie Chiang
Cracking the Cancer Code: Evolution Between Cancer & The Immune System
Cancer Therapy and the Art of War by Dr. Jennifer Chan
Cancer and the Immune System: A Microcosm of Darwinian Evolution by Dr. Douglas Mahoney
Leveraging the Cancer-Immunity Cycle to Improve Survival: The Story and Promise of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors by Dr. Vishal Navani
Cancer Clinical Trial: From the Bench to the Clinic for Real World Patients
Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Chan, Deputy Director of the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute
Dr. Daniel Heng, MD, Division Head of Medical Oncology, Professor of Medicine, University of Calgary
Dr. Winson Cheung, MD, Professor of Medicine, Department of Oncology, University of Calgary
Dr. Don Morris, MD Phd, Medical Director Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Head of the Department of Oncology, University of Calgary
DNA and Cancer: From Discovery to Precision Treatment, with a special focus on lung cancer
Dr. Jennifer Chan, Deputy Director of the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute
Dr. Aaron Goodarzi, Associate Professor, Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Biology
Dr. Gwyn Bebb, Professor, Department of Oncology
Cancer 101: Causes to Cures
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Dr. Jennifer Chan, Deputy Director of the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute
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Dr. Darren Brenner, a Research Scientist specializing in cancer risk prediction
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Dr. Paola Neri, Scientific Director of the Precision Oncology Hub at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre
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Dr. Douglas Mahoney, a Research Scientist with expertise in cancer immunotherapy
Cancer in Young People
- Dr. Miranda Fidler-Benaoudia, a Research Scientist specializing in cancer prevention in young people
- Dr. Michael Monument, a Research Scientists and Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in sarcoma
- Dr. Fiona Schulte, a Research Scientist and Clinical Psychologist specializing in pediatric cancer
