The Governors of the University of Calgary

Published purpose

Cancer therapy relies on understanding each patient's unique cancer type and its progression. However, this is challenging due to cancer's complexity. Doctors need user-friendly tools to identify a patient's specific cancer fingerprint for precise drug selection. Emerging targeted drugs require accurate cancer matching. Scientists have found that tumors release circulating cancer cells into the blood, enabling liquid biopsies through simple blood tests. A UK company, Beyond Blood, is developing an innovative diagnostic machine to count different blood cells automatically. The project will involve the University of Calgary and the NRC testing the detection of Quantum Dots using single photon level cameras and microfluidic systems for the development of advanced diagnostic systems, particularly for cancer management. If the Quantum dot single photon level cameras are successful, AQM (a Canadian Company) and Beyond Blood (a UK company) will look to test the technology in their specialized cell detection systems. If these components technologies can be brought together, the resultant platform will have a profound impact on cancer care, patient wellbeing and health care systems globally.