POGO’s 2020 Seed Grant Recipients
Dr. Avram Denburg
Dr. Tal Schechter-Finkelstein and Dr. Caroline Malcolmson
Project Title: Childhood cancer drug funding in Ontario: A citizen panel approach to identifying public priorities
Principal Investigator: Dr. Avram Denburg
Co-Investigators: Dr. Julia Abelson, Dr. Charlotte Moore Hepburn, Dr. Jennifer Gibson, Dr. Michael Wilson Antonia Palmer
Project Summary: The project objective is to understand public values and priorities to inform public funding decisions for childhood cancer drugs in Ontario. The investigators will use established ways of working with members of the public to understand their perspectives on the most important points policymakers should consider when making decisions about funding new cancer drugs for children.
Impact/Relevance: This project will generate rigorous evidence of public values and priorities related to cancer drug funding for children in Canada, and provide policy recommendations to guide provincial funding decisions of novel cancer therapies. It is critically needed at a time when Ontario and other provinces are struggling with how best to make evidence-informed decisions about funding high-cost drugs that reflect the values and priorities of their citizens.
Funding: $14,995.00
Dr. Tal Schechter-Finkelstein and Dr. Caroline Malcolmson
Project Title: Biomarkers for Early Detection of Transplant Associated Endothelial Injury in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients
Principal Investigators: Dr. Tal Schechter-Finkelstein and Dr.Caroline Malcolmson
Co-Investigators: Dr. Leonardo Brandao, Dr. Walter Kahr, Ahmad Al-Hunlti, Dr. Christopher Licht, Dr. Joerg Krueger, Dr. Vicky Breakey, Dr. Donna Johnston, Dr. Alexandra Zorzi
Project Summary: The aim of the study is to evaluate in children post allogeneic and autologous Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT), the true incidence of transplant-associated endothelial injury (TA-EI) and the role of this panel of blood tests in the prediction of TA-EI. The investigators will compare the utility of a defined biomarker blood panel to previously established clinical diagnostic criteria. Pediatric transplant patients from across the province will be included.
Impact/Relevance: This investigation will be the first study to evaluate, in children, the role of a biomarker panel in the prediction of TA-EI. Early detection will lead to early intervention and/or intensified prevention strategies with the aim that, as in adults, early diagnosis of TA-EI in pediatric BMT patients, will lead to improved outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Funding: $15,000.00