In Quebec, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for children and adolescents. Despite strides made in research and genomics, where 85% of children now survive a cancer diagnosis, the reality remains that 15% will not. The Montreal Children’s Hospital (The Children’s) is determined to rewrite these statistics and bring new hope to patients fighting for their lives, with the support of the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC).

Thanks to an extraordinary $1-million donation from Fuel Transport, The Children’s Clinical Research Unit (CRU) is set to double the number of cancer clinical trials it offers within five years. This expansion marks a vital leap toward discovering better treatments, especially for the most challenging and currently incurable cancers. For many of these children, clinical trials are their only hope.

Opening doors to new treatments and potential cures

“For far too many children with cancer, clinical trials are their only chance at survival,” said Dr. Catherine Vézina, Director of the Hematology-Oncology Division at The Montreal Children’s Hospital. “By opening more clinical trials, we provide our young patients with better access to experimental treatments that could improve survival rates and reduce the harsh side effects of current treatments. These trials embody our commitment to improving outcomes and setting new standards in pediatric cancer care.”

The RI-MUHC welcomes this positive development, as clinical trials are one of the research priorities in its 2030 vision. The CRU at The Children’s is one of the McGill University Health Centre’s satellite research units that can benefit from the support and services of the RI-MUHC Centre for Innovative Medicine.

“As a leader in transformative discoveries that advance human health across the life course, the RI-MUHC is very proud to support The Children’s Clinical Research Unit and its pediatric researchers as they develop scientific breakthroughs to improve patient care. The RI-MUHC joins the entire community in thanking Fuel Transport for its generous donation,” said Dr. Rhian Touyz, Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer of the RI-MUHC.

Over the last decade, research on pediatric cancer and blood disorders has made significant advances. However, despite the critical role clinical trials play in advancing cancer care, only 7% of all cancer research funding in Canada is allocated to them. That is why donations are so crucial.

Focusing on hard to treated cancers

“Cancer is not one disease; it encompasses dozens of types and countless subtypes,” explained Nicole Sidhu, Clinical Trial Manager, Oncology Clinical Research Unit. “Today’s clinical trials often focus on targeted drugs for specific genetic mutations, allowing only a few children to qualify for enrollment. Opening a new trial is a complex process that takes up to 12 months, but with Fuel Transport’s generous donation, we can expedite this work. We are focusing especially on hard-to-treat or relapsed cancers.”

The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation is profoundly thankful to Fuel Transport, a Quebec-based international freight shipping carrier, for being the driving force behind the expansion of the Clinical Research Unit. Their donation is not just a financial contribution; it is an investment in the lives of countless children.

“Fuel’s donation to The Children’s Foundation enabled the Clinical Research Unit to hire a senior research nurse and a pharmacy clerk,” said Robert Piccioni, CEO of Fuel Transport. “We chose this project because we understand how challenging it can be to raise funds for staffing. Our gift is making a significant impact, doubling the number of clinical trials for children and teens with rare, aggressive, and hard-to-cure cancers. This donation aligns with our challenger mantra to always support the underdog, which in this case leads to brighter futures for children in Quebec and beyond.”

A Huge Thank You!

Renée Vézina, President of The Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation, expressed deep gratitude: “The Children’s Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to CEO Robert Piccioni and the entire team at Fuel Transport. Your generous gift is a lifeline for The Children’s Oncology Clinical Research Unit. By empowering The Children’s to open more clinical trials, you are enhancing cancer care and saving young lives!”