November 5, 2025 — Leads & Copy —
MISSISSAUGA, ON — AstraZeneca Canada and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) have announced the recipients of the co-funded 2025 Operating Grants in Blood Cancer, a Canadian research program aimed at enhancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of blood cancers. Two researchers will receive Operating Grants in Blood Cancer, valued at $100,000 per year for two years, co-funded by AstraZeneca and LLSC.
Dr. Anastasia Tikhonova from the University Health Network in Toronto, Ontario, will focus on identifying biomarkers for leukemia to improve the diagnosis and treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Dr. Christian Steidl from BC Cancer in Vancouver, British Columbia, will develop tools for precise gene editing in B-cell lymphomas.
The 2025 Operating Grants in Blood Cancer received a record 43 applications, which were reviewed by the LLSC’s Scientific Review Panel. Selection criteria included relevance to blood cancer research and community partnership integration.
Dr. Paul O’Connell, Research Program Director at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, emphasized that the partnership between AstraZeneca Canada and LLSC amplifies the impact of every dollar invested. Brittany Matthews, Therapy Area Lead, Hematology at AstraZeneca Canada, congratulated the grant recipients and expressed pride in supporting research that advances outcomes for patients facing blood cancers.
Complete information is available at www.bloodcancers.ca/operating-grant.
Dr. Paul O’Connell, Research Program Director at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
Brittany Matthews, Therapy Area Lead, Hematology at AstraZeneca Canada
Source: AstraZeneca Canada
