A team of researchers is collaborating with Windsor Regional Hospital oncologists on a pilot project to improve treatment outcomes for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer patients, a group that represents a significant portion of breast cancer diagnoses.

The WE-Spark project will examine the effects of starting treatment with ribociclib, a medication that blocks proteins driving cell growth. While this drug is typically used when breast cancer has advanced or spread, this project, described by research associate and adjunct professor Bre-Anne Fifield as a “window of opportunity study,” will explore whether using it at the beginning — before surgery — can make patients more responsive to later treatments.

“This project focuses on a type of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer where, historically, patients have done quite well, and we have some really effective treatments. However, we know there’s a group that can eventually become resistant to these treatments, and there’s another group that is resistant from the beginning. We need to do better for those patients,” Dr. Fifield said.

“So, this study is looking at whether we can give patients this drug up front and if that would prevent resistance from occurring or help sensitize them to these other types of therapies we have available,” she added.

The joint project, led by Fifield and Lisa Porter from the University of Windsor, alongside co-investigators Rasna Gupta and Caroline Hamm from Windsor Regional Hospital, received funding through WE-Spark’s Igniting Discovery grant. This grant supports early-stage health research and education initiatives in the Windsor-Essex region.

“The WE-Spark grants program is instrumental in getting these types of projects off the ground,” Fifield said. “Doing these types of clinical trials is expensive, so having this seed money to start them and get that data is crucial for us to be able to take this to the next level.”

The pilot will involve a small group of patients — around five to 10 — currently receiving treatment at the Windsor Cancer Centre. Some patients will receive the drug while others won’t, allowing researchers to compare the outcomes.

Fifield explained that many breast cells contain hormones, including progesterone and estrogen. On those cells, there can be antenna-like receptors that the hormones bind to, sending signals that tell the cells to grow.

“With a patient who has those receptors, we can block them or stop them so the cell no longer gets the signal. But for patients who become resistant, the cells are smart — they find ways around the inhibitors,” she said. “This drug we’re using targets the proteins that control cell growth and division outside of those hormones.”

For patients participating in the study, post-surgery tumour tissue will be sent to the Porter lab at the University of Windsor along with blood samples. Researchers will analyze whether there are more immune cells in the tumour or if those cells have changed compared to patients who didn’t receive this treatment. This information will help researchers determine if the patient will be more sensitive to other types of therapy, Fifield said.

“If we see changes in the types of immune cells that are there, that would suggest we’ve primed the immune system. Then we can use things like immunotherapies to come in and attack the tumour and stop it, and get rid of it,” she noted.

While still in the early stages, Fifield said she is eager to get the project going, and if the pilot shows promising results, the next step would be to involve more patients and apply for additional funding to continue the study.

“Patients here in Windsor-Essex are the ones who are going to benefit from this pilot,” she said. “And if it’s successful and we can launch a larger study, it will continue benefiting our patients and our community, which I think is really exciting.”

Want to see how local research is making a difference? Dive into WE-Spark’s impactful work at www.wesparkhealth.com/projects.

The 2024 edition of Humanities Week welcomes experts in engaging the community in research outreach and storytelling. Invited experts will discuss topics from best practices, book publishing, podcasting, and writing for theatre and documentary films.

The series is presented by the Humanities Research Group, the Office of Research and Innovation Services, and FAHSS Research at the University of Windsor.

All are welcome to join daily online sessions dedicated to the art and craft of engaging, translating, and disseminating research aimed at deepening and broadening the impact of academic research across all disciplines. All five sessions will be presented via Zoom.

All presentations will run 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 18: Work with the Community with David Phipps and Gary Myers

David Phipps and J. Gary Myers will describe and demonstrate the best practices for engaging the community in research dissemination. Dr. Phipps is the administrative lead for all research programs and their impacts on local and global communities at York University. Myers is a PhD candidate in history at York University. He has a background as a community-based knowledge mobilization writer.

Tuesday, Nov. 19: Publicize Your Book with Leah Paulos

Leah Paulos reveals the secrets of managing your book publishing plan to get the most out of the many years of work you put into researching and writing your book to bring your work to the largest audience possible. Paulos is the founder and director of Press Shop PR, based in Brooklyn, NY, which offers independent book publicity campaigns to authors and publishers.

Wednesday, Nov. 20: Produce Professional Podcasts with Kathleen Goldhar

Kathleen Goldhar will explain what separates professional podcasts from the rest of the pack. A skilled narrative audio journalist with an extensive background in print and radio journalism, Goldhar is the host of CBC’s Crime Story, a creator, podcast producer, and showrunner.

Thursday, Nov. 21: Podcast as Research Dissemination with Lori Beckstead

Lori Beckstead explores how podcasting can be deployed as a critical vehicle of research dissemination and outreach. Beckstead is the co-editor of Podcast or Perish: Peer Review and Knowledge Creation for the 21st Century and an associate professor of audio and digital media in the School of Media at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Friday, Nov. 22: Make Art from Research with Carlo Handy Charles

Carlo Charles will describe his process of translating research into artistic and narrative modes of communication for the public. Dr. Charles is an assistant professor of sociology and a faculty affiliate of the Black Scholars Institute at the University of Windsor He is also a visiting scholar in the Department of Sociology at the University of Michigan and a fellow at the CNRS French Collaborative Institute on Migrations in Paris. His expertise in disseminating knowledge to audiences outside academia through research-based art includes writing work for theatre, documentary film, and manga.

Find details and registration links for each presentation here.

University of Windsor librarian and author Heidi Jacobs has been recognized by the Province of Ontario for her book on a baseball team that busted down the colour barrier nine decades ago.

Jacobs has won the 2024 Ontario Speaker’s Book Award for her monograph 1934: The Chatham Coloured All-Stars’ Barrier-Breaking Year, published by Biblioasis. The award honours nonfiction books by Ontario authors that reflect the province’s diverse culture and history.

“It’s so well-deserved,” said Blake Harding, whose father, Wilfred (Boomer) Harding played first base for the history-making Chatham team. “Heidi captured the feelings the time and the legacy that the ball team left to the community.”

Harding and his wife, Patricia, who passed away in September, donated Boomer’s scrapbooks to the Leddy Library. Jacobs relied on those scrapbooks as she researched the book, and also collected oral histories and spent countless hours poring over microfiche for newspaper accounts of the time.

Jacobs deferred interviews about her award to Blake Harding, saying “Blake and Pat Harding really are the source and spirit of the book. Any success is owing to them and their kindness and generosity.”

Harding said Jacobs is as modest as she is talented.

Jacobs’ debut novel, Molly of the Mall, won the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour in 2020.

Jacobs’ book on the Chatham Coloured All-Stars was one of six shortlisted for the Ontario Speaker’s Book Award. She was announced as the winner at a ceremony Nov. 4 at Queen’s Park.

In addition to a monetary prize, Jacobs’ book will be featured at the Legislative Assembly Gift Shop and in the Legislative Library.

A video recording of the Nov. 13 town hall presentation, held in the CAW Student Centre’s Alumni Auditorium, is now available for viewing on the Finance website.

The town hall provided attendees with an update on the University’s financial planning. The Finance website also includes answers to frequently asked questions and a portal for submitting budget suggestions and ideas.

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (FAHSS) and the Society of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences united to celebrate World Kindness Day in a vibrant and impactful manner.

A kindness cart filled with treats — chips, popcorn, candies, and more — each adorned with uplifting messages of kindness, made its way around campus, spreading smiles and reminding everyone of the essential role compassion plays in our daily lives.

As treats were shared, students had the opportunity to express their own messages of kindness, which were transformed into a montage visually representing the spirit of goodwill thriving within the university community.

The faculty, the student society, and the Campus Bookstore extended their consideration beyond the campus by donating gift bags to the families currently residing at the Ronald McDonald House at Windsor Regional Hospital. The bags included a plush animal that said, “Someone at the University of Windsor loves you,” as well as appreciation notes and other UWindsor merchandise.

Stephanie Porritt, community and volunteer engagement specialist at the facility, expressed gratitude for this action, acknowledging the impact it has on families facing challenges.

“We want to share our heartfelt thanks to the FAHSS and SAHSS from the University of Windsor for the wonderful donation of gift bags for the families staying at RMHC-SWO Windsor House in honour of World Kindness Day,” Porritt said. “Your generosity brings comfort and support to families who are staying close to their critically ill or injured children. Acts of kindness like yours make a world of difference in helping our community feel cared for during challenging times. Thank you for embodying the spirit of kindness in such a meaningful way.”

Both staff and students found profound fulfillment in connecting with members of the campus community to celebrate the power of compassion and empathy, said Ronnie Haidar, student engagement and outreach co-ordinator in FAHSS.

“World Kindness Day served as a powerful reminder that simple acts of kindness can resonate deeply, uplifting individuals and transforming society as a whole,” he said. “This special day inspired all to reflect on their ability to foster a nurturing environment, encouraging promotion of positivity, understanding, and connection in our everyday lives. Together, as a united community, we can create ripples of kindness that inspire change, encourage support, and ultimately make the world a better place for all.”

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will hold a public clinic Wednesday in the Toldo Lancer Centre providing vaccination against influenza and COVID-19.

Anyone who works, lives, or studies in Ontario is eligible for either or both of the free vaccines. The clinic will run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 20 in the Multi-Purpose Room.

The onset of fall and winter and the looming holiday gatherings make this a perfect time to consider best practices for preventing illnesses. Human Resources reminds members of the University community of the shared responsibility to mitigate the risk of spreading illness.

Among its tips:

• Self-monitor for illness. Immunizations are an effective way to reduce risk and prevent the spread of illnesses.
• Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces.

• If you are ill and potentially contagious, stay home and report this to your supervisor without delay and seek medical care if required.

Learn more about influenza on the health unit website. Find more tips on cold and flu prevention on the Human Resources website.