Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta - University of Alberta

07/16/2026

Congratulations to CRINA members Reza Mirzaei and Jason Northey and all the recipients of the 2026 Canadian Cancer Society Emerging Scholar Research Grants!

07/14/2026

Meet Our Researchers
Meet Dr. Ismail Ismail, an Associate Professor in the Department of Oncology at the University of Alberta and a member of the Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta (CRINA).

Ismail’s research focuses on the intricate mechanisms of DNA repair and replication and its connection to cancer and other diseases. By understanding how cells respond to DNA damage, he hopes to identify biomarkers that pave the way for personalized medicine.

Read Ismail's full profile to learn more about his journey from a fascination with DNA to cutting-edge cancer research: https://bit.ly/4pqiNFc

06/30/2026

Meet our Researchers: Dr. Nawaid Usmani
This week, we’re highlighting Dr. Nawaid Usmani, a Radiation Oncologist and Clinician-Scientist in the Department of Oncology at the University of Alberta. Nawaid’s research is focused on improving radiation treatments and minimizing side effects for patients with prostate cancer.

Want to learn more about Nawaid and his research? Read the full feature here: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/cancer-institute/research/meet-a-researcher/nawaid-usmani.html

06/25/2026

Cancer patients frequently suffer from painful mouth ulcers caused by their treatments—a problem a new medical discovery aims to solve.

A research team led by Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta (CRINA) member Dr. Prasanna Neelakantan has designed a promising alternative for treating antimicrobial-resistant infections.

The treatment is based on a human-produced host defense peptide that provides rapid broad-spectrum protection against bacteria, viruses and fungi.

The team is working to develop delivery mechanisms, including a gel to treat skin infections and a bandage to be applied inside the mouth to treat ulcers caused by cancer.

Learn more about this research:

A University of Alberta research team has designed a promising alternative for treating antimicrobial-resistant infections.

06/12/2026

Meet Our Researchers: Dr. Kristi Baker
Ever wonder about the brilliant minds behind ground-breaking cancer discoveries?

We're thrilled to launch our brand new feature, Meet Our Researchers, where we bring you behind the scenes to get to know the scientists and clinicians driving innovation forward at the University of Alberta.

This week, we are highlighting Dr. Kristi Baker, an Associate Professor in the Department of Oncology at the University of Alberta. Kristi’s research is focussed on trying to better understand the relationship between cancer and the immune system.

Kristi is one of 170 dedicated CRINA scientists and clinicians working to better understand, detect, and treat cancer, ultimately improving the lives of those affected by the disease.

Want to learn more about Kristi and her research? Read the full feature here: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/cancer-institute/research/meet-a-researcher/kris-baker.html

06/04/2026

A team of UofA researchers discover a way to inhibit brain cancer’s infiltration mechanism.

A University of Alberta research team has found a way to inhibit the infiltration mechanism of the deadly brain cancer glioblastoma.

05/07/2026

Join CRINA and the Edmonton Public Library for "Cancer Unmasked: Advances in Personalized Medicine" on May 21st. https://bit.ly/4uBG745

05/06/2026

Study and art exhibit led by CRINA member Edith Pituskin and Holly Symonds-Brown illuminate experiences of people who “survive” for years with chronic cancer thanks to new targeted oral therapies.

Printmaker Liz Ingram is participating in a study and art exhibit that illuminate the experiences of people who live with chronic rather than acute cancer, thanks to new targeted oral treatments.

04/29/2026

Join us for an inspiring evening of film and science, featuring the story of Jim Allison’s Nobel Prize-winning quest to cure cancer.

May 5, 2026 | 6:30-8:45 p.m.
Location: Metro Cinema at the Garneau Theatre
🍿 Free admission and popcorn provided.

After the credits, stay for an expert panel discussion featuring University of Alberta researchers Dr. Kris Baker, Dr. Troy Baldwin and Dr. John Walker, moderated by Dr. Hanne Ostergaard.

Hosted by the Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta - University of Alberta and the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry.

More details: https://bit.ly/4t1SULW