Dr. Nappi receives MSFHR 2020 Health Professional-Investigator Award

Dr. Lucia Nappi (MD, PhD) has received a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research 2020 Health Professional-Investigator Award for her project "Moving towards a biology-based care model in germ cell tumours."

Testicular germ cell tumours (GTCs) are the most frequent solid tumours in young men. Current methods to detect GCTs rely on a CT scan and blood work for tumour markers, which are not specific enough for GCTs. Initial small studies have indicated that testing micro-RNAs produced only in GTCs is a more specific test. In the funded project, Dr. Nappi will undertake two clinical trials to validate the clinical utility of micro-RNAs in the management of GCTs, with the goal of proving its efficacy and enabling its use routinely in clinical practice. 

The MSFHR Health Professional-Investigator (HP-I) Program is designed to develop BC’s research talent and help decrease the gap between health research and its implementation. The awards support health professionals who are actively involved in patient care to conduct and apply research relevant to health and/or the health system.

Please visit the MSFHR website for further details of Dr. Nappi's project, a list of 2020 HP-I awardees, and the general announcement of all awards.