RBC Financial Group supports novel imaging research for early disease detection in London

LONDON, ON (Feb. 22, 2006) – RBC Financial Group announced today a $200,000 gift to further the development of novel cellular imaging methods to detect the early signs of diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis, and to detect damage following spinal cord injury. This gift will support the research of Robarts scientist Dr. Paula Foster, whose work in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is setting new standards in the detection of disease. “Dr. Foster’s research in cellular imaging has the potential to revolutionize disease detection, treatment and, ultimately, outcomes for future patients with disease,” said Laura Gainey, Regional President, RBC Financial Group. “We are very proud to support research that will go a long way in improving the quality of life for Canadians.” This $200,000 gift will be used for specialized equipment and personnel in Dr. Foster’s lab over the next five years. “This significant and generous gift will help Robarts – and Canada – stay ahead of the crowd in what is a very competitive field in cellular imaging,” said Dr. Mark Poznansky, Robarts President and Scientific Director. “Private sector investment is critical for the development of new areas of medical research. We are very grateful to RBC Financial Group for its confidence and foresight in supporting the emerging and promising field of cellular imaging to improve disease diagnosis and treatment.” Dr. Foster has developed a novel strategy that marks individual cells with magnetic (iron-oxide based) labels and tracks them with ultra-high resolution micro-imaging using a customized clinical MRI scanner – the type of MRI found in thousands of hospitals worldwide. The ability to image and track single cells in vivo has application to a range of disorders, as it allows scientists to see the earliest signs of damage or disease before they would otherwise be detected by conventional imaging methods. Dr. Foster has applied her cellular imaging technique in experimental models to see the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the brain and spinal cord that is the initial event in the development of multiple sclerosis; to track the inflammatory cells that cause secondary damage after spinal cord injury and to follow individual breast cancer cells as they migrate, invade, divide and develop into tumors. For more information please contact: Linda Quattrin, Robarts Research Institute, (519) 663-3021 Sonia D’Agostino, RBC Financial Group, (416) 974-2913