University of Alberta researchers advance breast cancer treatment, says Mirage News
University of Alberta researchers are advancing breast cancer treatment through six active initiatives spanning exercise oncology, surgical techniques, pain management, and diagnostic technology, Mirage News reported during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Canada.
Key Clinical Takeaways:
- Alberta currently maintains 73 active breast cancer clinical trials led by faculty across the College of Health Sciences, the Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, and the Cross Cancer Institute.
- New clinical investigations examine the reduction of post-mastectomy pain syndrome via local anesthetic delivery and the optimization of axillary lymph node surgery to prevent lymphedema.
- Surgeons are implementing magnetic non-radioactive seeds to replace traditional hook-wires and streamline operating room efficiency during tumor localization.
Clinical Trials and Active Research Across Alberta
More than 3,500 women in Alberta receive a breast cancer diagnosis annually. While survival rates remain high due to standard treatments including surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and genetic interventions, ongoing regional studies seek to optimize clinical outcomes and reduce long-term morbidity. Researchers are investigating everything from dietary interventions during treatment to the molecular targeting of misfiring mammary gland proteins.
Digital Exercise Interventions for Regional Patients
Building on previous findings that physical activity enhances treatment efficacy and lowers recurrence rates in colon cancer patients, researchers are expanding exercise oncology protocols to breast cancer populations. Dr. Myriam Filion, who conducted research out of the Exercise Oncology Research Laboratory and holds a PhD from the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation, identified that rural patients require structured guidance to sustain physical activity post-diagnosis. Now conducting post-doctoral research with the Department of Surgery, Filion is utilizing the BE-FIT app developed by Dr. Rachel Khadaroo to integrate exercise into perioperative breast cancer care.
Radiation and Hormone Therapy Improve Breast Cancer Survival
For patients with early-stage breast cancer undergoing breast-conserving surgery or lumpectomy, clinical protocols frequently incorporate adjuvant hormone therapy, radiation, or both to prevent recurrence. To address patient concerns regarding the toxic side-effects of hormone therapy, a team led by Dr. Kurian Joseph, radiation oncologist and associate professor of oncology, conducted a population-based study. The findings demonstrate that adjuvant radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or a combination of both yields a statistically significant improvement in overall survival rates compared with surgery alone.
Streamlining Oncoplastic Surgical Procedures
The Alberta Breast Surgical Oncology group, comprising University of Alberta clinicians and researchers, is evaluating outcomes for oncoplastic surgery across the province. This approach allows general surgeons to excise tumors and perform immediate reconstruction during a single operation. The initiative aims to minimize cosmetic defects, ensure clear surgical margins, and lower local recurrence rates.
Targeted Anesthetic Trials for Post-Mastectomy Pain
Post-mastectomy pain syndrome affects one in three breast cancer survivors, with persistent pain defined as symptoms lasting beyond three months post-surgery, according to data from the Canadian Breast Cancer Network. To mitigate this complication, Dr. Simone Derzi, associate professor of anesthesiology and pain management, is helping execute a multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 1,602 patients. Led by the University of Toronto, the study tests the administration of local anesthetic lidocaine alongside general anesthesia immediately prior to surgery to evaluate reductions in chronic pain, opioid consumption, and overall management costs.
Study Analyzes Surgical Approaches to Minimize Lymphedema
Patient recruitment is underway in Edmonton for a study analyzing optimal surgical approaches when cancer spreads from the breast to armpit lymph nodes. Dr. Heidi Joyce, a general surgery resident pursuing an MSc in clinical epidemiology in the School of Public Health, is investigating how targeted dissection, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and axillary node dissection impact early-stage breast cancer patients. The research aims to establish a balance between effective oncology treatment and the minimization of lymphedema, a painful chronic swelling of the arm. This work complements investigations supported by the newly established Dianne and Irving Kipnes Health Research Institute.
Magnetic Technology for Tumor Localization
Under the direction of Dr. Lashan Peiris, assistant professor of general surgery, clinical teams are adopting Magtrace technology prior to breast cancer operations. The magnetic, non-radioactive seed is implanted in breast tissue days or weeks ahead of a lumpectomy to replace traditional hook-wires. The technology also facilitates sentinel lymph node biopsy, removing the necessity for nuclear medicine injections within the 24 hours preceding surgery and improving overall operating room workflow.
Alberta currently maintains 73 active breast cancer clinical trials.