Sexual health can be an uncomfortable topic of conversation for patients, some of whom may prefer more discrete options for sharing intimate details. In a first-of-its-kind study, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) researchers have demonstrated the viability of the PenoMeter novel mobile option for diagnosing Peyronie’s disease. 

A collaborative team of researchers from the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC) have developed a new method to design safer, more targeted cancer drugs. The platform, called baited-SELEX, uses DNA molecules to mimic antibodies and selectively target cancer cells while minimizing harmful side effects of current therapies.

Every year, the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) Research Challenge gives front-line staff and clinicians the tools, funding and mentorship to lead research projects. By pairing point-of-care Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) health care providers with experienced VCHRI researchers, the program helps transform real-world questions into evidence-based answers to improve patient care.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. David A. Wood as the inaugural Chief Scientific Officer of the Dilwari Cardiovascular Institute, for a five-year term to May 19, 2030.

A technology used in advanced brain and lung cancer surgery is now being explored in the removal of prostate cancer. The first-of-its-kind study — led by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher Dr. Miles Mannas — applied cutting-edge stimulated Raman histology (SRH) to rapidly analyze tissue biopsies during robotic radical prostatectomy, significantly reducing surgical times while enhancing cancerous tissue removal. 

The car crash risk among people with schizophrenia is substantially lower when antipsychotic medications are taken as prescribed, according to the findings of a novel study led by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researchers Drs. John Staples and Jeff Brubacher. Their published research suggests that antipsychotic adherence could be explored as a requirement for maintaining an active driver licence for individuals with schizophrenia, though they caution that more research is needed.

Each year, about 3,000 people in Canada are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. With symptoms that are vague and easily mistaken for less serious health issues, it can be difficult to detect in its early stages. As a result, many people receive their diagnosis when the disease is already advanced. 

A new implantable tissue monitoring technology could be a gamechanger for complex head and neck reconstructive surgery, as well as other surgeries. Developed by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) researchers Drs. Babak Shadgan and Donald Anderson, the microvascular free tissue transfer Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTT-NIRS) sensor system could reduce the number of revision surgeries needed for invasive skin flap transplants.

Now retired from working as a project manager in the tech industry, Margaret Hanson’s active lifestyle is intimidating. The 68-year-old rock climbs, mountain climbs, hikes, skis, goes on backpacking trips — mainly with her husband of 18 years, Tony — and still seems to have energy to spare. However, in December 2016, just nine months after celebrating her retirement, Hanson received news that no one ever wants to hear.