Ron Geyer and his research team were awarded an Innovation grant from the Canadian Cancer Society of almost $200,000. They plan to develop new imaging probes to better visualize and detect tumours in the brain. If successful, the probes will help doctors diagnose glioblastomas and guide surgical removal—leading to better patient outcomes.
Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive malignant primary brain cancer in adults. It also has "a dismal cure rate," Geyer told Global Saskatoon, as most patients survive only 1 to 2 years after diagnosis.
Most notably, Gord Downie—frontman of legendary Canadian band The Tragically Hip—was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2016.