Our Mission
Our History
Patrons
DECF International
SickKids Hospital
so generously support our
life- and vision-saving work.
Prof. Brenda Gallie and
Dr Ashwin Reddy.
Dr Gallie is a professor in the University of Toronto’s Department of Medical Biophysics, Medical and Molecular Genetics and Ophthalmology, and the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, where she is also Director of the Hospital‘s retinoblastoma program.
She is Head of Cancer Informatics at the Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital and scientific director of Toronto Hospital’s Eye Research Institute. She is also a co-founding member of the Toronto based Doctors for Research Integrity.
In the early 80s, Dr Gallie’s research revealed loss of the normal RB gene in all retinoblastoma tumour cells, and these findings led to the breakthrough identification of the RB1 gene and the first specific tumour causing mutations of the RB1 gene in 1988. This ground-breaking molecular research has improved the outlook for children with retinoblastoma, and significantly progressed understanding of the role of tumour suppressor genes in the development of other cancers.
Dr Gallie has developed sensitive, economic testing for identification of individual family RB1 gene mutations, such that relatives of a child with retinoblastoma may now be tested, allowing for the confirmation or elimination of possible cancer risk at birth. Her discoveries have also improved diagnosis and treatment of inherited retinoblastoma, as testing now supports pre-natal diagnosis, thus enabling premature delivery of affected infants for early sight-saving treatment. She established Retinoblastoma Solutions, a non-profit company, to help make this test available to families around the globe.
Dr Gallie and her team have developed a novel chemotherapy protocol to tackle multi-drug resistance. Initial clinical trials of the cyclosporine supported chemotherapy, combined with focal cryo and laser therapy, have created the most promising eye saving results to date, and eliminated the harmful effects of radiation for many children - traditionally a first-line treatment.
In response to the challenge of it’s rarity, Dr Gallie founded World Retinoblastoma, a global network of leading retinoblastoma treatment centres who share the goal of optimal care for all children. She has also developed use of the Internet and digital retina imaging to review focal surgery.
Dr Gallie has received many honours in recognition of her work, including the Order of Ontario in 2006. She is married to fellow Queen's University medical graduate, Dr Michael A. S. Jewett (head of urology at the Toronto Hospital, and Professor and Chair of urology at the University of Toronto). The couple have one son, Gordon, one daughter, Franni, two dogs and a turtle.
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