AcT Team publishes results of groundbreaking TNK stroke trial
AcT Team presents at CNSF and publishes in The Lancet
Congratulations to Dr. Bijoy Menon and the entire AcT Team who released the results of Canada's largest stroke clinical trial on June 29.
The study, comparing Alteplase (tPA) and Tenecteplase (TNK) in the treatment of 1,600 patients at sites across Canada, found that TNK was equally effective at tPA – and in some ways better. The TNK clot-buster was also found to be much easier to administer and can be given to patients much faster than tPA.
Tenecteplase has been used to treat heart attack patients for many years and is now expected to become the new standard of care in treating ischemic stroke.
"Through this collaboration these findings could revolutionize stroke treatment throughout the world," said Dr. Menon.
Read the study in The Lancet here.
Clinical Neuroscience News...
Researchers study Vitamin B3 as potential treatment for deadly brain tumour
A vitamin that is commonly used to fortify breakfast cereals is being studied by Cumming School (CSM) researchers for its potential to benefit people diagnosed with glioblastoma.
The study involving niacin–also known as Vitamin B3—has the potential to boost the body’s immune system to fight the devastating brain tumour, but researchers must first complete a phase l-II clinical trial to determine the optimal dose and uncover any side effects.
“We want to know if it is safe, if it can be added to the standard treatment, and what dose should be used—that's phase l,” says neuro-oncologist Dr. Gloria Roldan Urgoiti, MD, a clinical associate professor at the CSM who is the principal investigator of this study. “You cannot assume that, because it is something that is available over the counter, you can just combine it with the standard treatment safely.”
Read the full story here.
Congratulations to Dr. Metz and Dr. Cairncross
Two DCNS neurologists are amongst 77 Canadians who have been inducted into the prestigious Canadian Academy of Health Sciences for 2020. They are part of eight inductees from the University of Calgary.
CAHS recognizes excellence in health sciences. Fellows have demonstrated, through their careers and lives, that they are committed to their field of expertise in many ways.
Dr. Luanne Metz is a professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and a member of HBI, the Snyder Institute and OIPH.
Gregory Cairncross is a professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, director of the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, and is a member of the HBI.
Congratulations to both.
Spine Program Launches Website
The University of Calgary Spine Program is a multidisciplinary clinical and academic group focused on the care of individuals affected by conditions and diseases of the spine and spinal cord.
Our mission is to provide world quality health care to individuals with spinal disorders through the pursuit of excellence in research, teaching and bedside clinical care.
The program is centered at the Foothills Hospital and Alberta Children’s Hospital within Alberta Health Services.
How Health Research Works
ESCAPE-NA1 trial leaders talk about results
Dr. Michael Hill and Dr. Mayank Goyal discuss the UCalgary-led international trial, which was published in The Lancet Feb. 20.
Study participant Beth MacKay talks with media about how DBS has had a remarkable effect on her life.
Deep Brain Stimulation study life-changing for patient
A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry by co-authors Dr. Raj Ramasubbu and Dr. Zelma Kiss included patient Beth MacKay – who says she can now "see the whole world" after a lifetime of battling depression.
Killam Award for Dr. Wee Yong
Dr. Wee Yong, Section Head of Translational Neurosciences, has been awarded the 2019-2020 Killam Research Excellence Award for a "lifetime of work" in the field of multiple sclerosis.
Study highlights importance of specialized care for epilepsy patients
Congratulations to DCNS members Dr. Samuel Wiebe and Dr. Colin Josephson and the epilepsy team on their paper linking specialized patient care with a lower risk of premature mortality in epilepsy patients. Another reason why our Comprehensive Epilepsy Program is so important!
Neurologist combines clinical care with groundbreaking research
Dr. Lawrence Korngut, an associate professor in the departments of Clinical Neurosciences and Community Health Sciences and member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, says patients are often eager to participate in clinical trials for rare diseases.
Neurosurgeons win TENETi2C competition
Congratulations to Dr. John Wong and Dr. Alim Mitha on their startup Fluid Biotech winning the TENETi2C competition on June 7. The company took home the $100,000 grand prize and $40,000 worth of consulting time that will be used to commercialize their innovative stent for use with brain aneurysms.
The TENET Innovation to Commercialization program provides funding and training to University of Calgary researchers, clinicians, postdocs, graduate students and staff to transform their health research into a commercial product.
Caring, Educating, Innovating. Together.
By building healthy teams, collaborating with patients, outstanding care providers, researchers, educators and health care administrators, the Department of Clinical Neurosciences will provide compassionate, equitable, and high-quality care to people dealing with neurological problems. While doing this, we will constantly strive to learn and to improve.
