You make a difference: Celebrating 25 Years of the Breast Cancer Canada Translational Research Unit (BCC-TRU)

1998 

• The BCC-TRU* was created through a partnership between the London Regional Cancer Program (LRCP) and a $1 million donation from the Breast Cancer Society of Canada (BCSC) 
• The BCC-TRU* was originally named in honour of Pamela Greenaway Kohlmeier, who passed away from breast cancer at age 38 
• Dr. Ann Chambers is named as BCC-TRU* Director 

2000 

• Recruitment of senior translational breast cancer scientist Dr. Eva Turley to LHSC, focusing on the factors contributing to breast cancer progression 

2003 

The BCC-TRU* Traineeship Program is established. This important program serves to train the next generation of breast cancer researchers 

2006 

• Recruitment of junior translational breast cancer scientist, Dr. Alison Allan, who brings new research expertise in breast cancer metastasis and blood-based biomarkers to London 

2010

• Catalyst Grant Program created in partnership with LRCP and the Western Department of Oncology. This important program now funds two Catalyst Grants annually to breast cancer researchers across London 

2014 

• BCC announces a major 10-year, $5 million commitment to the Unit, bringing total support to >$10.4 million 

2018 

• Dr. Alison Allan is named as the new Director of the BCC-TRU* after Dr. Ann Chambers announces retirement 

2019 

• Recruitment of clinician-researcher Dr. Ana Lohmann and clinician-scientist Dr. Armen Parsyan with the goal of bringing lab findings to the clinic faster 

2020 

• BCC commits to supporting the BCC-TRU* through to 2030 

2022 

The Unit is renamed as the Breast Cancer Canada Translational Research Unit (BCC-TRU) to reflect BCSC’s name change to Breast Cancer Canada (BCC)

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

BCC-TRU Director Dr. Alison Allan

Meet Dr. Alison Allan, a remarkable senior oncology scientist and director of the BCC-TRU. Dr. Allan’s research is focused on the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms influencing breast cancer development and metastasis, mainly concentrating on two areas: 

1. The first project seeks to understand why some patients with breast cancer develop lung metastasis. With this knowledge, the team aims to prevent breast cancer cells from spreading to the lungs. 
2. The second area of focus involves identifying the key characteristics of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in a patient’s blood and investigating how they contribute to breast cancer metastasis and respond to therapy. Dr. Allan and her research team are Canadian leaders in CTC analysis and technology development.

“Safe ideas aren’t the ones making breakthroughs in breast cancer research, especially when patients are anxiously waiting for life-saving treatment. Donors fuel these high-risk, high-reward ideas, working hand-in-hand with scientists to accelerate progress against this deadly disease.” 

Dr. Alison Allan, BCC-TRU Director