With every crack of a fertilized chicken egg, Dr. James Lim feels closer to helping save lives. Lim, a UBC scientist and researcher with the Michael Cuccione Cancer Research Program, has launched a groundbreaking laboratory that uses fertilized chicken eggs to test and analyze how certain medications affect children’s tumor samples. This pioneering approach seeks to revolutionize pediatric cancer research and care. The eggs serve as excellent hosts for the tumors, providing faster and more accurate results compared to other hosts like mice.
Dr. Lim explains that this research could lead to quicker, more effective treatments, addressing a significant issue where approximately 20% of patients do not respond well to conventional chemotherapy. Instead of relying on chemotherapy, the goal is to find the right medication for each patient, reducing toxicity and improving outcomes.
Tariq Bhat, a UBC PhD student who has been actively involved in the project, emphasizes the impact this work has on society and, more importantly, on the families battling childhood cancer. Bhat highlights the exciting aspect of using cutting-edge technology in oncological research and the potential positive outcomes it can bring.
The project conducted by Dr. Lim and his team is part of the broader ‘BRAvE’ initiative that aims to transform pediatric cancer research and care nationwide. The Michael Cuccione Foundation and BC Children’s Hospital Foundation have provided support for their work.
Through the use of fertilized chicken eggs, Dr. Lim and his team hope to find more targeted and less toxic treatments for children with cancer. This innovative approach brings hope to many families and children facing the daunting challenges of childhood cancer.
