The IRCM is an active participant in efforts to cure cancer – the leading cause of death in Québec. More than 100 different types of cancer exist and affect various organs and systems, making cancer research very complex.
Researchers in this field benefit from the broad knowledge gained over 20 years of intense basic and applied research on the mechanisms and causes of malignant transformation of cells. Despite all the progress made, which allows us to cure a high proportion of cancer, the battle is far from over.
In fact, numerous forms of cancer continue to wreak havoc in our society. Most of the available therapies also cause problems (side effects, undesirable reactions, etc.) that adversely affect cancer patients’ quality of life. Much work is therefore still required in this field.
At the IRCM, current studies focus on malignant transformation and tumour growth, as well as the genetic bases for predisposition to cancer.
Research unit directors:
* Director, Cancer research program