Clinical trials translate discovery into care by delivering new therapies that improve patient outcomes and shape clinical practice. To strengthen research and innovation capacity at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), and in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI), VCH is establishing a Phase 1 Clinical Trials Research Unit (P1-CTRU) at UBC Hospital.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. Often called the “the silent thief of sight”, it develops gradually and without noticeable symptoms, making it easy to overlook until it becomes more serious. Because vision loss due to glaucoma cannot be reversed, understanding your risk factors and acting early is key to protecting your long-term eye health.

On a warm August morning in Smithers, B.C., Eric Holdyk laced up his cleats and stepped onto a familiar soccer field for a local charity tournament. The 36-year-old father of two — born and raised in the northwestern town — had always been active, from cross-country skiing to playing midfield in soccer. Years earlier, he had even run a sub-three-hour marathon.

Using a powered wheelchair is an essential component of rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI), but traditional training methods often come with risks. The process of learning to maneuver a powered wheelchair requires close supervision from an occupational therapist, which can pose safety hazards for both the patient and the therapist. Many training programs also lack standardization and may not meet the needs of individuals with cognitive impairments. 

A new risk prediction tool could help reduce the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on patients and health care systems. The PRECISE-X model tested by lead researcher and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute scientist Dr. Mohsen Sadatsafavi identified a series of patient characteristics linked to severe exacerbations of COPD following diagnosis. 

Located within the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences, the Advanced Genomics & Computational Science Core is on a mission to support Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) researchers in developing new and innovative treatments. Led by Dr. Colin Collins and managed by Dr.

VCHRI and UBC researchers are part of an international team awarded $2 million to study how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve prediction of ovarian cancer survival, guide treatment selection, and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes.

Over the last decade, new treatments have been introduced for high-grade serous ovarian cancer — the most common form of ovarian cancer. However, five-year survival rates remain low, with 70 per cent of patients experiencing relapse.