The fourth edition of the benefit gala A Brilliant Evening, organized each year for the benefit of brain cancer research, raised one million dollars for research devoted to the discovery of more effective treatments against this terrible disease.
On October 18, more than 800 people gathered at Windsor Station in Montreal for the elegant cocktail reception . Flute of champagne in hand, participants were able to savor the gastronomic delights offered by some of the finest restaurants in Montreal.
More than $1 million has been raised for the Brain Tumor Research Program at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (The Neuro), where researchers are developing personalized treatments. Also called "precision medicine", this therapeutic approach to brain cancer allows doctors to adapt the treatment to the biological characteristics of the patient.
The sums raised on the occasion of these four gala evenings have already enabled the researchers to make an important discovery. Using RNA sequencing, they found that cancerous brain cells differ from healthy cells at the stem cell stage. Stem cells are unique in that they have the ability to differentiate to become any brain cell. Cancer stem cells give rise to all cancer cells and stimulate tumor growth. Uncovering and targeting these cells is a promising new avenue for the treatment of brain cancer.
The researchers now plan to use the new funds to translate their discovery into human clinical trials within the next year or two.
"This is an important discovery that will allow us to exploit new therapeutic targets to prevent cancer cells from multiplying and spreading," says Dr. Kevin Petrecca, Chief of Neurosurgery and Director of the Brain Tumor Research Program at The Neuro. 鈥淭his concept, which not so long ago seemed utopian, is now reality. 禄
鈥淲hen I was asked to join this cause, I immediately accepted,鈥� says Nathalie Pilon, Honorary President of the Une Brillant Soir茅e gala. 鈥淚 think the Neuro team's research is fabulous and this cause deserves our support. This year, the A
Brilliant Evening Gala was sponsored by BMO Financial Group, CIBC, National Bank Financial, CN, Desjardins, ABB, Agropur, Caisse de d茅p么t et placement du Qu茅bec, CGI, Construction CAL, Courchesne Larose , Fednav, KPMG, Logistec, Metro, Oxford, the Rossy Family Foundation, Transcontinental, Bell, Ivanho茅 Cambridge, Jammers and Telus.
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