Karen Campbell Award presented to researcher focused on genetics
March 22, 2017
Dr. Patricia Tonin recently received the Karen Campbell Award for Research Excellence* at THE LADY BALL, the first in a series of special events being held this year to celebrate fearless women everywhere.
Dr. Patricia Tonin
Dr. Tonin is Senior Scientist and Associate Leader of the Cancer Research Program within the Centre for Translational Biology at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. At McGill University, she is Associate Member at the Department of Oncology and Goodman Cancer Research Centre, and Professor of Medicine and Human Genetics.
Dr. Tonin’s interest in ovarian cancer research began some 20 years ago, as she was investigating gene mutations that could increase risk for cancer.
“While I was focused on breast cancer at the time, ovarian cancer seemed to be the missing piece of the puzzle,” says Dr. Tonin. “Back then, very little was known about this disease. Literally, the research could have covered a small table. So I switched my focus – I had to.”
Her doing so was part of the reason that we now know that BRCA gene mutations can increase a woman’s risk for ovarian and breast cancers. Early in her career, Dr. Tonin contributed to seminal discoveries of both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.
Annie Parker
This work personally touched Annie Parker, one of the first women in Canada tested for the BRCA1 gene mutation. Annie was in attendance when the Research Award was presented to Dr. Tonin.
“Dr. Tonin used my samples in her research, all those years ago,” says Annie, who shares her story in Annie Parker Decoded. “Before coming face-to-face with one another, she’d already met me. She knew my DNA because it was sent to her lab. It was like meeting a superstar when I shook her hand and thanked her for helping to change the course of ovarian cancer for those of us with genetic predispositions.”
“Research relies on the participation of women like Annie who provide their samples so that science can learn from them,” says Dr. Tonin. “Thank you all for your involvement as we endeavour to change outcomes.”
Dr. Tonin’s research has advanced understanding of the role of specific gene mutations in the development of ovarian cancer, particularly among French Canadians. Beyond being one of the first to report BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations common to French Canadian families affected by ovarian or breast cancer, Dr. Tonin was instrumental in making the case for genetic testing in Quebec. Her research informed development of guidelines for cost-effective genetic testing of French Canadians, ultimately resulting in better informed decisions on prevention and treatment.
On the path to personalized care, Dr. Tonin’s group discovered biomarkers (indicators found in blood or tumors) that hold promise for targeted treatment of ovarian cancer.
Most recently, her research identified further gene mutations that may suggest increased risk of ovarian and breast cancers.
Just last year, Dr. Tonin received the Pat McDonald Research Award** in support of her ongoing exploration of an emerging ovarian cancer susceptibility gene called FANCI. When functioning properly, FANCI works with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to repair damaged DNA. If a woman inherits a mutated FANCI gene, her risk for developing ovarian cancer may increase, similar to when women carry BRCA gene mutations.
Dr. Tonin is continues to examine the roles of gene mutations, such as these, in disease development while leveraging her findings to improve genetic counselling and cancer treatment. She also leads one of the most productive labs in the country while mentoring a number of up-and-coming researchers.
“Young researchers bring fresh insights and new ways of looking at things,” says Dr. Tonin. “You never know where the next great idea will come from.”
“We’re getting a clearer picture of what may cause ovarian cancer and we need to keep pressing for more research if we are to stop this disease,” she continues. “Government has a role in ensuring that this important health issue doesn’t fall through the cracks. Ovarian cancer has to be seen as a priority.”
Join Dr. Tonin in appealing to government for increased research funding, write to your local elected representatives and share your concerns. Visit the Advocacy page of ovariancanada.org to customize and send a letter in minutes.
* The Karen Campbell Award recognizes overall research excellence and important scientific achievements that impact the understanding and treatment of ovarian cancer.
** The Pat McDonald Research Award is part of an operating grant that is jointly funded by Ovarian Cancer Canada and the Cancer Research Society, which independently qualifies and reviews research submissions.
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