Unit Overview and Highlights
The Hematology Research Unit (HRU) at VCHRI is a specialized early-phase clinical trials hub for hematologic cancers and related blood disorders. Located at Vancouver General Hospital and integrated with the Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program of British Columbia, HRU provides purpose-built inpatient infrastructure for complex investigational therapies.
With direct access to hematology expertise, infectious disease support, critical care resources, advanced diagnostics and cellular therapy services, HRU enables the safe delivery of first-in-human studies, advanced immunotherapies and other treatments requiring intensive monitoring
Hospital-integrated early-phase trials
Designed for high complexity immunotherapy studies
Multidisciplinary hematology expertise
Provincial referral centre
Areas of Focus
Cellular and Immune Therapies
Acute and Chronic Leukemias
Lymphoid Malignancies
Bone Marrow Disorders
Transplantation and GVHD
Bleeding and Clotting Disorders
Infrastructure and Capabilities
Our Team
The HRU team brings together experienced hematology physicians, research nurses, clinical research coordinators and regulatory specialists who work collaboratively to deliver complex early-phase trials.
The unit is supported by integrated clinical services including pharmacy, cellular therapy, apheresis, laboratory medicine, transfusion medicine, diagnostic imaging and allied health professionals. This multidisciplinary model enables coordinated trial delivery, rapid clinical decision-making and comprehensive support for participants receiving complex investigational therapies.
Facilities and Capacity
HRU provides purpose-built inpatient clinical research space at Vancouver General Hospital designed for early-phase and high-complexity hematology trials. This integrated model supports safe delivery of first-in-human studies, advanced immunotherapies and other innovative treatments in a highly specialized clinical environment.
Research facilities and infrastructure include:
- Three dedicated single-patient research rooms with continuous patient monitoring capabilities
- Flexible inpatient and outpatient capacity
- Access to hospital specialty services
- Cellular therapy and apheresis support
Quality and Ethics
HRU operates within VCH’s coordinated clinical research environment, with a strong commitment to participant safety, research integrity and regulatory excellence.
Aligned with Health Canada requirements and recognized quality standards, HRU supports early-phase trials through rigorous processes, experienced teams and integrated clinical oversight. The unit’s hospital-based model ensures investigational therapies are delivered within a carefully monitored environment while maintaining the highest standards of ethical and scientific practice.
Physicians and Expertise
Clinical trials can open doors to treatments that patients might not otherwise have access to. They are also crucial in ensuring that everyone in British Columbia can benefit from innovative cancer care, regardless of where they live.
The Hematology Research Program's expertise ensures that leading-edge treatments safely reach the people who need them most. We don’t just coordinate clinical trials — we build the bridge connecting patients in British Columbia to tomorrow’s breakthrough treatments.
Research Pathways
Looking to Conduct a Trial?
HRU partners with investigators to design and deliver early-phase hematology trials within a hospital-integrated research environment. You will benefit from dedicated inpatient research space, specialized hematology expertise and coordinated access to clinical services including cellular therapy, apheresis, pharmacy, laboratory medicine and transfusion support.
Looking to Start an Early-Phase Trial?
Whether you’re planning a first-in-human hematology study or expanding an early-phase research program, HRU provides the specialized infrastructure and clinical expertise required for complex trial delivery. HRU works with sponsors and contract research organizations from feasibility assessment and protocol planning through site preparation, participant enrollment and study operations.
Looking to Participate in Research?
Early-phase clinical trials at the HRU evaluate promising new therapies for blood cancers and related disorders, helping bring innovative treatments to patients across British Columbia. As a provincial referral centre, HRU works with hematology and oncology teams to identify patients who may be eligible for investigational therapies.