News Release — May 27, 2025
Vancouver, BC — May 27, 2025 — Vancouver Coastal Health has launched British Columbia’s first dedicated inpatient clinical trials unit for early-phase therapies in blood cancers. Located at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), the new Hematology Research Unit will deliver revolutionary therapies — including first-in-human treatments such as advanced immunotherapies like CAR T-cell therapy — to patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant hematological diseases.
Embedded within the renowned Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program of BC, the Hematology Research Unit is purpose-built to support complex clinical trials that require expert collaboration among hematologists, critical care teams, specialized nurses, and allied health professionals. Early-phase trials typically demand intensive monitoring and support beyond what usual clinical care settings can safely provide.
“The Hematology Research Unit represents a critical step in expanding access to innovative cancer treatments for patients in BC,” says Dr. Kevin Song, Director, Leukemia/BMT Program of BC and Leukemia/BMT Tumour Group Leader, BC Cancer. “It gives people with few remaining options a chance to benefit from the latest advances in therapy, without having to leave the province.”
Funded almost entirely by $5 million in philanthropic support through VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s Greater Than Cancer fundraising campaign, the Hematology Research Unit expands BC’s research infrastructure and strengthens clinical capacity. By providing a dedicated space to deliver research-based treatments, patients can now access leading-edge therapies closer to home. The presence of this unit also enhances research collaborations with academic and industry partners, bringing treatments of the future to patients in British Columbia today.
“This specialized unit is more than just a physical space — it’s a gateway to cutting-edge innovation and the most advanced treatments for blood cancers,” says Dr. Teresa Tsang, Executive Director of Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. “It represents a first-of-its-kind model for future clinical trial units, setting a new standard for advancing care for the most complex diseases.”
By enabling industry-funded care within a public hospital, the Hematology Research Unit helps reduce costs typically borne by the provincial health care system. It also strengthens BC’s ability to attract global biotech partnerships and expands capacity for research and innovation across cancer care and beyond.
While initially focused on blood cancers, the Hematology Research Unit may serve as a model for early-phase research facilities in other medical specialties in the future. Its embedded education program will also support hands-on training for nurses, allied health professionals, and clinical fellows — building the next generation of research-ready health care teams.
“This unit is the culmination of years of collaboration and a shared commitment to transforming care for patients with blood cancers,” says Dr. Florian Kuchenbauer, Associate Director, Hematology Research Program and Senior Scientist, Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer. “By creating a dedicated space for early-phase trials, we are laying the foundation for a new standard of care in BC.”
Supporting Quotes
“Our team is deeply committed to innovating for impact to stay at the leading edge of patient care. The new Hematology Research Unit provides patients with specialized care options while advancing research, education and innovation in cancer medicine.”
— Vivian Eliopoulos, President and CEO, Vancouver Coastal Health
“The new Hematology Research Unit will provide access to new treatments and the world-class care delivered by the Hematology division at VGH. This new unit, and the hope it will offer patients, is a realization of the Foundation's mission as the leading charity investing in health care innovation in BC. Our partners at the Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program are realizing their vision to create an early-phase clinical trials unit, giving patients with no other options access to new life-saving therapies. Thanks to $5 million in donor support, that vision is now a reality. It’s a bold step forward and an early milestone in our Greater Than Cancer fundraising campaign, which is helping VGH build capacity to diagnose, treat, and advance care for the most complex cancer cases in BC.”
— Angela Chapman, President & CEO, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
“When I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2012, the expected life expectancy was three to five years. At the age of 49 I was busy with family and kids, and it was a lot to juggle. After an unsuccessful stem cell transplant my physician at VGH encouraged me to join a clinical trial. I knew I had to do it and getting in felt like hitting the jackpot. Now, 13 years later and counting, I'm living a rich and full life. With the addition of the Hematology Research Unit, more patients like me get a lifeline with access to treatments that can change lives.”
— Helene Lalonde, Study Participant
