Cancer
Cancer research has been a priority at Université Laval and its Faculty of Medicine for over 20 years. Our faculty members conduct fundamental, clinical, epidemiological and psycho-sociological research on cancer that has resulted in major developments and innovations. Moreover, our research centers have been organized so as to integrate the care, research and education components of oncology.
Our researchers draw on knowledge and techniques from multiple sciences:
- Cellular and molecular biology
- Functional genomics
- Oncological physics and experimental therapy
- Medicinal chemistry
- Translational and clinical research
Examples of Research
Breast cancer is still the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Our research teams thus focus on breast imaging, on the quality of life of patients and their family, and on the assessment of procedures of cancer prevention and treatment.
Certain forms of hereditary breast, prostate and ovarian cancer are caused by genes that have been identified by researchers in oncogenetics. Studies are being conducted to estimate the prevalence, penetrance, and relative contribution of gene mutations to the occurrence and prognosis of cancer.
Lung cancer constitutes the main cause of decease by cancer, in both women and men. We have thus devoted significant resources to research in this field.
The Faculty also includes a multidisciplinary research team studying palliative care.