London, Ont. — Thanks to the philanthropic vision of the late Archie & Irene Verespeeten, a generous estate gift and several other generous donors, the POWER study is helping researchers explore new approaches to cancer care for patients across Southwestern Ontario. Together, these investments are helping accelerate discoveries that bring more personalized cancer care closer to patients. One of those discoveries is the Precision Oncology at Western University (POWER) study, a groundbreaking research initiative that is uncovering new treatment possibilities for people with cancer.
The study was conducted through the Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, which was established through a transformational donation to LHSF by the late Archie and Irene Verspeeten in 2020.
“The POWER study is a powerful example of what donor support makes possible,” said John H. MacFarlane, president and CEO of London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF). “The vision of Archie and Irene Verspeeten created the foundation for this world-class research, while the generosity of many other donors continues to fuel discoveries that are changing how cancer is diagnosed and treated. Every gift helps give researchers the tools they need to pursue innovations that can improve and save lives.”
A newly published study by London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI), found that expanded genetic testing can help identify new treatment options for patients with cancer. The POWER study, the first of its kind in Canada, found that nearly one in three patients became eligible for new treatment options based on the unique genetic profile of their tumour. The findings highlight how precision medicine can uncover new possibilities for patients who may have limited treatment options.
The POWER study is a great example of the impact when bringing researchers, clinicians and donors together to create new possibilities for patients. Through donor support, researchers can explore new approaches to cancer care and bring the promise of precision medicine closer to those who need it most.
To learn more about the POWER study, read the full story from LHSCRI.
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