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Whether we're advancing research and treatment or helping our community meet emerging health challenges, UHN's three hospitals are an excellent source for health-care news and expertise.

Oxygen in tumours predicts prostate cancer recurrence
(Toronto - March 31, 2012) - Low oxygen levels in tumours can be used to predict cancer recurrence in men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer even before they receive radiation therapy.
TD Bank Group scholarship helps fix inequality in graduate education for people with disabilities
March 8, 2012 – Anita Kaiser always planned to be a physiotherapist or a chiropractor. That was until a car crash in 1996 left her paralyzed below her chest. She knew then her new focus would be rehabilitation research. Thanks to TD Bank Group’s unique scholarship for graduate students living with a disability, Anita has completed her Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Science.
Canadian Scientists Develop World’s Most Advanced Drug to Protect the Brain After a Stroke
Toronto, February 29, 2012 - Scientists at the Toronto Western Research Institute (TWRI), Krembil Neuroscience Centre, have developed a drug that protects the brain against the damaging effects of a stroke in a lab setting. This drug has been in development for a few years. At this point, it has reached the most advanced stage of development among drugs created to reduce the brain’s vulnerability to stroke damage (termed a “neuroprotectant”). Over 1,000 a
Canadian first: Early-stage lung cancer gets new surgical treatment with robot
(Toronto, Wednesday, February 29, 2012) – In a Canadian first, thoracic surgeons at Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, used a robotic surgical system to treat early-stage lung cancer by removing the cancer, along with a lobe of the lung. The use of this system improves outcomes after surgery and will expand the numbers of patients who can benefit from this type of minimally invasive surgical treatment.
Surgery for spinal cord injury within 24 hours improves outcomes
Toronto, February 23, 2012 – People who suffer a spinal cord injury should be getting surgery within the first 24 hours, according to a new multi-centre clinical trial, which shows the timing of surgery can reduce the likelihood of paralysis.
Ontario's first cardiac stem cell transplant performed last week at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre
TORONTO (January 26, 2012) – Heart failure is a leading cause of death in Canada. As part of the ongoing IMPACT-CABG clinical trial to treat advanced heart failure, physicians at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre performed the first cardiac stem cell transplant in Ontario last week using stem cells derived from the patient’s own bone marrow and implanted into the heart at the time of coronary bypass surgery.
Prostate cancer study proves drug delays disease progression
(TORONTO, Canada – Jan. 24, 2012) – For men diagnosed with low-risk, localized prostate cancer, being treated with the drug dutasteride (“Avodart”) delays disease progression and initiating active treatment, and also reduces anxiety, show the results of a three-year international clinical trial led by Dr. Neil Fleshner, Head of the Division of Urology, University Health Network (UHN).
First procedure in Canada performed at Peter Munk Cardiac Centre to reduce high blood pressure in patients who don’t respond to anti-hypertension drugs
TORONTO (January 17, 2012) – Doctors at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre today performed a minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat high blood pressure, called renal denervation, for the first time in Canada. The procedure can significantly reduce high blood pressure in patients who cannot effectively treat their hypertension through drugs. These patients, numbering approximately 250,000 Canadians, have to endure an especially high risk of heart attacks and stroke.
Ovarian cancer study proves drug delays disease progression, may improve survival
(TORONTO, Canada – Dec. 29, 2011) – Treating ovarian cancer with the drug bevacizumab (“Avastin”) delays the disease and may also improve survival, show the results of an international clinical trial
Cancer-related pathway reveals potential treatment target for rare pediatric disease
(TORONTO - Dec. 8, 2011) - Cancer researchers studying genetic mutations that cause leukemia have discovered a connection to the rare disease cherubism, an inherited facial bone disorder in children.
Krembil Neuroscience Centre Opens New Inpatient Unit for Stroke and Neurovascular Conditions and Outpatient Day Unit for Patients at Risk for a Major Stroke
Toronto, November 30, 2011 – The first neurovascular unit (NVU) in Canada opened today at the Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, which is part of the University Health Network. The 20 bed in-patient unit is designed to provide patients with stroke and neurovascular conditions such as aneurysms and diseased blood vessels in the brain with the most optimal setting for treatment as well as the initial stages of recovery.
New study shows biopsy of recurrent breast cancer can alter treatment
(TORONTO – Nov. 28, 2011) – A second, larger clinical research study led by breast cancer specialists at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) has again proven that comparing a new biopsy of progressing or recurring cancer with that of the original cancer can dictate a change in treatment.
$18 Million Gift from Peter and Melanie Munk Builds On Past Support at Peter Munk Cardiac Centre
Toronto, ON. (November 24, 2011) – Dr. Robert Bell, President and CEO of University Health Network (UHN), announced today that the Peter and Melanie Munk Charitable Foundation is donating $18 million to the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre at UHN. This new gift brings the total investment by Peter and Melanie Munk in UHN to $65 million.
Techna Institute to lead UHN's collaboration with INO, agreement signed
(TORONTO, Canada – Nov. 23, 2011) – The new Techna Institute at UHN has signed its first agreement with INO of Quebec City and Hamilton. Techna Institute, launched Nov. 9 in partnership with the University of Toronto, is an innovation hub poised to integrate and fast track research, development, and commercialization of new healthcare technologies.
Toronto Rehab Launches iDAPT Centre for Rehabilitation Research
Popular whole-body-vibration exercise: not an effective therapy for the prevention of bone loss
(TORONTO - Nov. 14, 2011) - A one-year study on healthy postmenopausal women has shown that whole-body-vibration, a popular exercise which uses a vibrating platform, does not affect bone density.
Canadian researchers find potential new leukemia treatment with old antibiotic drug
(TORONTO – Nov. 14, 2011) – Clinician-scientists in the Princess Margaret Cancer Program have found a promising approach to treating leukemia, using an old drug in a new way.
UHN, U of T launch Techna innovation hub to get health technologies to patients faster
(TORONTO - Nov. 9, 2011) - The Techna Institute, an innovation hub poised to integrate and fast track research, development and commercialization of new healthcare technologies, launches today at University Health Network (UHN) and the University of Toronto (U of T).
Prostate cancer study shows radiation plus hormone therapy greatly improves survival for men with high-risk disease
(Toronto – Nov. 3, 2011) – Men with locally advanced or high-risk prostate cancer who receive combined radiation and hormone therapy live longer and are less likely to die from their disease, shows clinical research led by radiation oncologists at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) Cancer Program, University Health Network.