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VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 1 | MAY 2022
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Dr. Jennifer Vena,
ATP Scientific Director
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Shandra Harman,
ATP Strategic Director
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Grace Shen-Tu,
ATP Scientific Director (Acting)
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Directors` Message
Hello ATP Participants,
We`ve had yet another busy and successful year that marked Alberta`s Tomorrow Project`s (ATP) 20th anniversary. We are so thankful for your continued support and passion for this project, and the significant contributions you`ve made and will continue to make to the largest health research cohort study in Western Canada.
We took time to celebrate and reflect on 20 years of ATP, with many of you joining us in the digital campaign we rolled out in December 2021. While we wished we could have marked this important milestone in person, it was amazing to hear stories, comments and memories shared from participants, researchers, staff and partners who have championed ATP for two decades. And for those who didn`t see our summation of what 20 years of this study looks like, here are some highlights:
- More than 950,000 questionnaires have been filled out by ATP participants.
- Biological samples have been collected from more than 30,000 participants.
- ATP`s database houses more than 2 billion points of data.
- Nearly 200 papers and presentations have been produced based on ATP data.
We are very proud of what we`ve accomplished, and are looking forward to the next 30 years!
Over the course of the past two years, we`ve navigated the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. ATP was able to add further value to its research platform through launching the COVID-19 questionnaire in Summer of 2020 and the COVID-19 Antibody Testing (CAT) Study in Fall of 2020. When we recruited more than 4,000 ATP participants for the CAT study, we were astounded by the response to our call to action across the province. This once again speaks to the unwavering passion and dedication of all of you. Throughout the study, we have maintained a 94% retention rate - that is amazing! It`s hard to believe we`re nearing the end of the CAT study, and have already
closed our Calgary and Red Deer study centre, with our remaining two centres (Lethbridge and Edmonton) closing out by June of 2022. We hope that all ATP participants continue to have a positive experience and recognize the value you bring to our study. We look forward to continuing to share our findings, and seeing how this data will support important research on the short- and long-term impacts of the pandemic on our health/mental health, lifestyle and behaviours.
Despite our work in COVID-19, we haven`t slowed down in supporting ATP`s main vision of research into cancer and chronic disease. Over the course of the 2021-2022 fiscal year, we had a total of 18 approved publications and three projects. Here are a few notable projects and publications to highlight from this past year:
Publications
Projects
- Edwin Wang - using data and analyzing biosamples for genetic markers that may identify people at high risk for lung cancer to inform early detection/screening programs
We invite you to keep up to speed on our projects and publications through our social media channels and by visiting myatpresearch.ca which includes all updated listings of projects and publications using ATP data.
We want to recognize the efforts of our Participant Advisory Committee (PAC). We were able to host two virtual meetings over the course of this year, which is no small feat for individuals located across the province. You can learn more about PAC and its activities here.
As we look to the near future, we`re excited to move into our new home at the new Calgary Cancer Centre slated to open in fall of 2023. This is an amazing 1.3 million square foot building, of that 110,000 square feet is solely dedicated to research. The fundraising efforts of the Alberta Cancer Foundation in partnership with the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services, are aiming to fundraise $250 million. Of that sum, $150 million will be supporting innovative cancer research programs, and ATP is thankful to be a part of that.
We look forward to sharing more about our new space with you as we get closer to our move. Please visit the OWN Cancer website for more information on the campaign and the new Centre.
Lastly, we want to welcome Grace Shen-Tu as ATP`s Acting Scientific Director for the next year. Dr. Shen-Tu has been ATP`s Research Lead for the past four years and will assume this leadership role while Jennifer Vena is on maternity leave, and we`re excited to have a team member with a wealth of ATP knowledge and experience to help guide the team.
Thank you so much for your continued participation in Alberta`s Tomorrow Project and we hope you enjoy reading the 2022 newsletter.
Sincerely,
JENNIFER VENA, PhD, Scientific Director
SHANDRA HARMAN, MHSc, Strategic Director
GRACE SHEN-TU, MPH, PhD, Scientific Director (Acting)
Alberta`s Tomorrow Project
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Amanda Davison (left) and Dr. Paula Robson.
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20 years of Alberta`s Tomorrow Project
Alberta`s largest research study reflects on two decades since its inception
Alberta`s Tomorrow Project (ATP) launched in 2000, making history as the province`s largest health research study. Dr. Heather Bryant, former Vice-President of the Alberta Cancer Board and current Expert Advisor, Cancer Care with the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, created this platform, with the goal of tracking thousands of adults over the course of 50 years to better understand cancer and chronic disease, and how our genetics, lifestyle and behaviours could influence our health outcomes.
Dr. Bryant saw the need for a research study like ATP because there are several known risk factors for cancer and chronic disease, but still many unknowns. There was an opportunity to develop a longitudinal study to better understand why some people develop certain types of cancer and chronic disease, while others don`t. Dr. Paula Robson, currently the Scientific Director with Alberta Health Services Cancer Research & Analytics (CR&A) and the Scientific Director of the Cancer Strategic Clinical Network, started with ATP in 2004 as a Project Director. Dr. Robson shares that Dr. Bryant had laid the groundwork as the former Principal Investigator of ATP, but for her and the team of five, came the feasibility work.
"At the time, there was no other project quite like ATP in Canada, it was the first of its kind. In those early years we focused on forging strong relationships and partnerships to support us, to gain trust and show that many Albertans would be motivated by the opportunity to contribute to cancer and chronic disease research that will impact generations to come."
The project garnered strong interest from the beginning, and by 2015, ATP had surpassed its recruitment goal, enrolling 55,000 men and women to the study. Amanda Davison, currently the Executive Director, Cancer Research & Analytics Cancer Alberta Health Services, was another pioneer of ATP. Davison joined the leadership team alongside Dr. Robson in 2012, leading the recruitment strategy and helping ATP grow into the platform it is today. Davison shares that ATP became a prototype for other cohorts across the country, and was part of the genesis of what is known today as Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow`s Health or CanPath.
"ATP showcased the power of bringing people together to participate in cancer research, and we knew that it would be even more powerful if we collaborated with partners across Canada to make a greater impact on the research landscape. Others saw the value and research potential in the rich information and data ATP was growing, and so our national partnership with CanPath was formed, which now includes a total of seven regional cohorts."
And what has made ATP the success story it is today, and allowed it to continue its work after more than 20 years? Both Dr. Robson and Davison share it is the experience and longevity of the team.
"ATP would not be successful without the tenure of the staff, the incredible complement of skills and their passion and dedication. That is something that is unique to ATP and something they`re known for" states Davison. "Participants feel comfortable giving their information because it`s safeguarded and treated with respect. The research study is well maintained, and the integrity of the project is exceptional. This is why ATP has been around for 20 years - staff and researchers and the supporters of research are working together." Dr. Robson adds that in addition to its reputation for professionalism, within Alberta and across Canada, it`s the innovation that is at the forefront of the team`s work.
"What`s key critical to ATP is a spirit of innovation. There`s always people in the team thinking about how could we do this better, how could we get more efficient, how can we speed things up, how can we improve quality. And then they put those ideas into action. That spirit of innovation is constantly at work with ATP, no one is ever complacent there."
A perfect example of this spirit of innovation is how ATP responded when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Through funding from the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services, the team pivoted and launched the COVID-19 questionnaire and the COVID-19 Antibody Testing (CAT) sub-study in 2020 to not only learn more about the virus, but to also gain insight into how the pandemic has impacted mental health, lifestyle, behaviours and those with chronic health conditions. Through its partnership with CanPath, and the seven regional cohorts, the reach of this work goes beyond Alberta`s borders, and is having a national impact.
One thing is for sure, and that is the next 30 years of ATP hold much promise for innovative research into cancer and chronic disease, and to improve how we prevent, diagnose, care for and treat these conditions. With the passion and commitment of its team, and dedicated and engaged participants, support from funders and stakeholders, ATP is a leader in health research on a national scale.
To learn more about ATP`s research platform, including how the data and biosamples donated by ATP participants are being used, or how to apply for data and/or biosample access, please visit www.myatp.ca.
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The COVID-19 Antibody Testing
study comes to a close
After launching the CAT study nearly two years ago, we are now winding down across our four study centres. Alberta`s Tomorrow Project launched the COVID-19 questionnaire to all ATP participants and the COVID-19 Antibody Testing (CAT) study to a sub-group of participants in 2020 to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the health and wellbeing of Albertans. The CAT study is helping to better understand antibody responses from an acquired infection and the vaccines and also learn more about the impact on our mental health, lifestyle, behaviours and health conditions like cancer and chronic diseases. We`re thankful for the participants who were able to participate in this study, and we look forward to sharing our complete findings once our team is able to analyze all of the data we`ve collected.
CAT Study/COVID-19 survey findings
- More than 4000 participants joined the CAT study - thank you for your participation!
- We saw 94% of participants return for their 8-month follow-up and 98% of them completed their survey.
- As of end of February, almost 5.5% of CAT study participants have tested positive for antibodies that indicate a previous COVID-19 infection.
- However, data is still coming in that will reflect the Omicron variant wave which contributed to the increase in cases in Alberta in December so we expect those numbers to go up.
- Antibodies due to an infection wane over time - data from ATP and other studies in Alberta suggest antibody levels drop below the positive antibody test threshold at around 250-300* days but this timeframe can be shorter or longer in different people (e.g. related to how sick someone was, other factors or characteristics like underlying conditions).
- Our antibody data confirms 95% of study participants are vaccinated.
- ATP data shows there is a higher antibody response after the second dose of vaccine compared to after the first dose.
*Please note that this data is based on the duration between participants` first positive antibody test and their subsequent antibody test(s); therefore, it may not be reflective of duration from actual infection date.
We will be sharing information and findings as they become available.
Please visit our website at myATP.ca to learn more about the project and keep up-to-date on our activities.
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Sally Mack shares her passion and motivation for participating in Alberta`s Tomorrow Project
Sally`s fascination with research and a personal connection to the study has kept her contributing to Alberta`s largest research study for a decade.
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Sally with her husband and two children.
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Born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Sally Mack has lived in Calgary for more than 30 years, and a participant of ATP since 2012. A medical representative by trade, she recalls the time when ATP was recruiting participants for the project, and seeing an advertisement at the Holy Cross Center in Calgary while working. There`s a common theme among participants of Alberta`s Tomorrow Project (ATP), and that is being motivated by the opportunity to contribute to cancer and chronic disease research that will impact future generations.
"I thought this study was interesting because within my role in the medical industry, part of my career was spent in medical and educational research," shared Mack. "That is where my passion lies, and being able to contribute to what the research could look like. I was fascinated by that world."
In fact, she was so intrigued by ATP, she began to recruit others in her network to sign up as participants and join her in supporting this important research study. She also shared that she saw great value in a study like ATP because it was longitudinal, following people over time, and it would allow for exploration of lifestyle and other factors and how it may contribute or influence health outcomes. Beyond her personal interest in the research, Mack was motivated by the impact it could have for future generations.
"Sadly, I lost my Father to cancer and my Mother to heart disease. Being a part of this study means enabling research that could prevent that from happening to others," stated Mack. "I also think about my children, and how a study like ATP could impact their health and wellness in the years to come."
In 2020, she took her participation with ATP to the next level when she was invited to participate in ATP`s sub-study, the COVID-19 Antibody Testing (CAT) study. She was one of more than 4,000 participants who accepted the invite to participate in this research during an uncertain time. Once again, for Mack, the motivation for joining this sub-study was the potential impact of how the collected information could benefit the greater good.
"It was two-sided for me, a part of me wanted to support the research, and the other wanted to understand how I was personally impacted by COVID-19," reflects Mack. "Could I get COVID and not know about it? Did I get it? And do I have antibodies? These questions drove my participation in this important study."
She did share that even though she is not particularly fond of having her blood drawn, she`s willing to continue participating because of her belief in what ATP is aiming to accomplish. ATP is very thankful for her and all of our valuable participants` unwavering support and dedication in helping ATP move forward into its next 30 years.
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"The work we are doing using ATP data could alter health outcomes and improve quality of life for cancer survivors for generations to come."
ATP data user Dr. Karen Kopciuk speaks to the value ATP brings to the cancer and chronic disease research landscape.
Dr. Karen Kopciuk, a Calgary-based research scientist and statistician, has been a long-time data user and has been a key member on Alberta`s Tomorrow Project (ATP) Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) since 2014. Dr. Kopciuk initially pursued Dental Hygiene at the University of Manitoba. She had always had a strong interest in prevention, and whether that was preventing a dental disease or cancer, it was a driving force in her journey as a scientist.
Dr. Kopciuk followed her passion and completed both statistics and psychology degrees with the University of Calgary, which led to her pursuing her calling as a research scientist and she would dedicate her career to disease prevention from that point forward. Dr. Kopciuk completed her Masters and PhD at the University of Waterloo. Then to prepare for her career as a researcher, she completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship at The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute in Toronto, Ontario. After about 13 years in her academic career, she returned to her home town of Calgary to assume a position as a Research Scientist with what was formerly known as the Alberta Cancer Board (now Alberta Health Services). This position provided opportunities to conduct research in cancer prevention, cancer screening and early detection as well as methods to better analyze complex data.
Shortly after her return to Calgary in 2003, Dr. Kopciuk began her work with ATP. Joined by other epidemiology and cancer scientists, she began serving ATP`s governance committee, helping to shape the project and collect the data housed in ATP today.
"As a statistician, I know that longitudinal data is very powerful to understand how diseases can develop over time because you can monitor trends over time versus just having a snapshot," shared Dr. Kopciuk. "Collecting data from a healthy population, before anything happens, allows us to explore potential causes of diseases. This can lead to prevention, early diagnosis and better management of cancer and other diseases."
Dr. Kopciuk is involved with a cancer research project using ATP data exploring factors associated with stage at a cancer diagnosis, with a focus on catching cancer early. She shares that ATP`s data is pivotal in this work, given that information and data is collected over the course of a lifetime, before a diagnosis.
"You can`t always prevent cancer, but if you can detect it early, then it means a potential cure or better management of the illness," states Dr. Kopciuk. "The work we are doing using ATP data could alter health outcomes and improve quality of life for cancer survivors for generations to come."
Dr. Kopciuk looks to the future of ATP, and emphasizes that the data will only become richer as time goes on, and it is of utmost importance that we continue to support this valuable investment that has been growing over the years. Dr. Kopciuk`s cancer research and contributions to ATP will continue to propel the project forward, and help ATP support innovative cancer and chronic disease research that will prevent and improve health outcomes far into the future.
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ATP is moving to the new Calgary Cancer Centre
Learn more about our new home in the Calgary Cancer Centre, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to elevating cancer research
The new Calgary Cancer Centre is slated to open in fall of 2023, and Alberta`s Tomorrow Project (ATP) is proud to be calling it our future home. The building will provide wrap-around care to patients, with everything from diagnostics to treatment and research under one roof. It will be one of the largest comprehensive cancer centres in North America, with a strong focus on supporting innovative cancer research.
"ATP`s goal as Alberta`s largest research study is to support cancer and chronic disease research that could help with early detection and prevention, and better health outcomes for cancer survivors," stated Dr. Jennifer Vena, ATP`s Scientific Director. "The support from funders, and this amazing new space, will enable us to continue this important work."
The Calgary Cancer Centre is supported by the OWN.CANCER campaign, a strategic partnership with the Alberta Cancer Foundation (ACF), the University of Calgary, and Alberta Health Services. The campaign goal is to raise $250 million towards improved treatment and care, with $150 million of that dedicated to enhancing research.
"The OWN.CANCER campaign is a once in a generation opportunity that will help establish the Calgary Cancer Centre, and Alberta, as an international leader in cancer research, treatment and care. The campaign, with the support from our community, will take us from great to world class, enabling this centre to reach its full potential."
- Wendy Beauchesne, Alberta Cancer Foundation CEO
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The new Calgary Cancer Centre slated to open in fall of 2023
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CALGARY CANCER CENTRE - BY THE NUMBERS
- One of the largest comprehensive cancer centres in North America
- More than 1.3 million square feet in area
- 160 in-patient beds
- 100+ patient exam rooms
- 100+ chemotherapy chairs
- 12 radiation vaults for radiation therapy services
- 110,000 square feet of dedicated research space
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The space will bring clinicians and researchers together, where they`ll be able to collaborate, learn and share knowledge with the common goal of stopping cancer before it starts. ATP is excited to be on this journey with ACF, the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services, and looks forward to being a part of the inspiring mission of the new Calgary Cancer Centre. To learn more about the new Center and the OWN.CANCER fundraising campaign, you can visit their websiteand watch the Youtube video.
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HAVE YOU MOVED? CHANGED YOUR EMAIL?
Please update your contact information so we can continue to communicate with you by:
Option A: Send us an email with your new contact information to tomorrow@ahs.ca and we will apply this to your file.
Or Option B: If you are already connected to the ATP participant portal, please login to https://myATPhub.ca and then click on the " Address Update" link on the left to update your contact information directly.
CONTACT US
Mail: Alberta`s Tomorrow Project
CancerControl Alberta
1820 Richmond Road SW
Calgary AB T2T 5C7
Canada
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