Mar 13th 2007

A 'state-of-the-art' presentation:
"Prostate Cancer and Cellular Repair-The new LEGEND program
at Princess Margaret Hospital"

by Dr. Robert Bristow
Dr. Bristow's talk was attended by an eager audience of around 80 members, wives, guests and some first timers.

In this informative talk, Dr. Robert Bristow reviewed the state of current and future testing
and the direction that research, in the form of the new Legend Program at PMH, is playing
in determining the best forms of treatment for different individuals. This research and the
development of these new tests may help us understand who is at risk for prostate cancer
based on the presence of low oxygen levels in the prostate and faulty cellular DNA repair
mechanisms. The ultimate goal of the new Legend Program at Princess Margaret Hospital
is to provide the best treatment for a specific patient with minimal side effects.

Dr. Bristow discussed how DNA and chromosomes are damaged by day to day insults and
how they are normally repaired by our cells as well as how prostate cancer may develop
because of faulty cellular repair which allows for the growth of mutant cells and the
development of cancer. He demonstrated the connection between low oxygen levels within
the prostate and the accelerated development of prostate cancer.

Dr. Bristow described the development of new therapies that target aggressive repair-deficient
cancer cells. He also described how CT scans during radiation treatments help focus treatment
directly on the affected areas of the prostate gland. Further research at Princess Margaret has
also found a link between hormone therapy and improved radiation therapy results. It seems that
Casodex actually helps improve the oxygenation levels of the prostate, making it more responsive
to radiation therapy.

Dr. Bristow’s talk was both an informative and uplifting look into the world of prostate cancer research.
The "Dream is Alive", were words we used to describe Dr. Bristow's last talk (Nov 03) to our group.
Listening to this - his latest presentation, and a sequel, on the pursuit of that dream - one could be more
hopeful that at some point in the future Prostate Cancer might become manageable on 'a-pill-a-day' basis.

After his talk Dr. Bristow spent some time answering questions and talking to the group
about the new “Crusin For A Cure Canada” event.
He was subsequently instrumental in prompting a follow-up meeting with Princess Margaret
Hospital staff to determine what level of support they may be able to provide us.

About Dr. Bristow:
Dr. Bristow has a brilliant background with degrees, cholarships, awards, research, positions and
publications too numerous to list here. He is involved across a vast scope of research activities and
programs both provincially and at international levels.

Amongst the key positions he holds currently are:
* Clinician-Scientist, Ontario Cancer Institute and Princess Margaret Hospital (University Health Network)
* Associate Professor, Depts. Radiation Oncology and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto
*Director, Core I-STTARR and LEGEND Labs Canadian Cancer Society Research Scientist
* Chair, Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee, Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada (PCRFC)
* Chair, Biomarkers Planning Committee, Canadian Prostate Cancer Research Initiative (CPCRI)
* Full Member, Institute of Medical Science (IMS), University of Toronto

Our thanks to Dr. Bristow for both his valuable time
and for supporting of our cause.

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