Demystifying the Intracellular Signalling Responsible for Colorectal Cancer
Digestive diseases are responsible for 15 per cent of health care costs in Canada and cost the economy an estimated $1.14 billion annually in productivity losses. Most Canadians have either direct or indirect contact with people with colorectal cancer or inflammatory diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Colorectal cancer is the second highest cause of death due to cancer in Canada. Like other cancers, it is due to gene mutations that adjust the proliferation and survival of affected cells. Intestinal inflammation is also associated with increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Dr. Nathalie Rivard, Canada Research Chair in Intracellular Signalling and Digestive Physiopathology, is analyzing signal pathways that control proliferation, differentiation, tumour formation and inflammatory response of cells of the intestinal epithelium.
Rivard’s research could lead to improved screening and new strategies for the treatment of colorectal cancer and inflammatory intestinal diseases, including new medications for the diseases.