Representatives of the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association Andrew Kidd, Andrea Baker, and Melba Bedard congratulate UWindsor researchers Anna Kozarova and Dora Cavallo-Medved on a grant to study cancer treatments.
A team of community researchers is looking into health disparities influencing patient outcomes for those undergoing bone marrow transplant as a treatment for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
The project, led by Anna Kozarova, a faculty member in the Department of Biomedical Science, will investigate these disparities in a year-long project supported by a 2024 WE-Spark Igniting Discovery grant, funded by the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association.
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer in which abnormal plasma cells grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow. These prevent normal cells from functioning properly, leading to weakened bones, kidney problems, and compromised immunity. It is a complex and incurable disease and one course of treatment for eligible patients is a bone marrow transplant.
"Recent research indicates that treatment outcomes are significantly influenced by genetics, biological sex, gender, socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and ethnicity. The goal of this project is to understand the health disparities that impact successful bone marrow transplants in multiple myeloma patients," says Dr. Kozarova.
"By identifying and addressing disparities in care, this project aims to improve treatment outcomes and enhance transplant success for local patients contributing to more equitable and effective treatment strategies in the Windsor-Essex region."
Kozarova says she's grateful to WE-Spark Health Institute and the Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Association for their support.
"And I look forward to working with our multidisciplinary team, including, Dr. Indryas Woldie of the Karmanos Cancer Institute, and UWindsor's Dr. Lisa Porter and Dr. John Hudson, which are all co-applicants on this grant.
"We are looking for a motivated research-based master level graduate student to add to our team," concludes Kozarova.
The association supports research by community fundraising. Its annual Bowling for Bone Marrow event is set for Saturday, Nov. 2, at Rose Bowl Lanes, 2482 Dougall Ave. Register for the bowl-a-thon by email info@givemarrow.net or phone 519-564-4119.
