Stories October 16, 2025

Celebrating one year of London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI)

Stories October 16, 2025

Relka Bihari at LHSC's Victoria Research Laboratory studying compartment syndrome, which is when increased pressure within a muscle compartment restricts blood flow after an injury leading to tissue damage.

Today marks the first anniversary of London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI). While this milestone celebrates one year under a new identity, it also honours a legacy of more than 150 years of advancing care through research at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).

A year of innovative research enhancing patient outcomes

Over the past year, LHSCRI has been at the forefront of health research, delivering meaningful advancements that directly impact patient care. From pioneering cancer therapies and kidney care innovations to improving stroke diagnosis and understanding social media health trends, LHSCRI’s impact on health care continues to grow.

“This has been a remarkable year of discovery for LHSCRI,” says Dr. Chris McIntyre, Interim Vice President, Research and LHSCRI Scientific Director. “Our research institute represents a centre of excellence where bright minds collaborate to tackle some of the most challenging health conditions faced by both adults and children.”

Exploring innovative treatments in cancer care

Multiple studies this past year have driven forward the understanding, treatment, and diagnosis of cancer.

For example, an innovative Phase II clinical trial was launched by LHSCRI to test a new treatment for renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). This approach involves delivering microscopic radiation-filled beads into blood vessels surrounding tumours, offering hope for improved patient outcomes.

Above: Dr. Derek Cool, Associate Scientist at LHSCRI and Interventional Radiologist at LHSC, reviewing an image of a patient with kidney cancer.

Additionally, a team from LHSCRI and Lawson Research Institute (Lawson) of St. Joseph’s Health Care London launched a world-first clinical trial testing the use of fecal transplant capsules, also known as ‘poop pills,’ to enhance treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer. Researchers think the capsules could improve patients’ microbiome and help them respond better to conventional cancer therapies.

Our researchers also published groundbreaking results, including a recent study in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine that shows a novel imaging solution, called prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) scanning, can more effectively detect the recurrence of prostate cancer compared to standard imaging methods, and is associated with improved survival outcomes.

Advancing kidney care

And our researchers advanced care in other areas like dialysis. LHSCRI and Western University began a clinical trial evaluating a new dialysis filter designed to remove a wider range of toxins from the blood. This innovation could extend lives and improve the quality of life for individuals living with kidney failure.

Above: Dr. Pavel Roshanov, Scientist at LHSCRI and Nephrologist at LHSC, holding a dialysis filter called Elisio HX™ one of which is being tested in a clinical trial.

Improving joint health

They also drove forward new innovations in orthopaedics. For example, a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine demonstrated that a surgical procedure called high tibial osteotomy (HTO) can slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis. HTO reduced joint damage and improved pain and function, offering the first evidence of a long-term disease-modifying treatment for this condition.

Above: Songlin Zhu, a PhD candidate at Western University, analyzes data on a computer screen while Dan Daamen, a patient at Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic, completes a task used to assess the knee.

Exploring critical care treatment outcomes

Our team shared findings from studies that were years in the making. In one international, multicentre clinical trial in partnership with St. Michael’s Hospital (Unity Health Toronto), they found that a new ventilation mode, proportional assist ventilation (PAV+™), significantly improves outcomes for intensive care patients requiring mechanical breathing support. The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine, one of the highest impact journals in the world.

Detecting stroke causes faster

LHSCRI is also making advancements in stroke research. In partnership with Western University, LHSCRI led a landmark stroke study published in The Lancet Neurology. The research showed that including heart imaging immediately upon hospital arrival helps identify the cause of stroke more accurately, enabling faster, more effective treatment and better prevention of future strokes.

Above: Dr. Rodrigo Bagur (left), researcher at LHSCRI and Cardiologist at LHSC, and Dr. Luciano Sposato (right), Scientist at LHSCRI, Head of the Southwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Centre at LHSC, standing in front of a computed tomography (CT) machine used to capture images of the heart and aorta as part of their research study.

Exploring social trends and health risks

Our team helped debunk health myths and misinformation.

In response to the social media trend of mouth taping, promoted for better sleep and health, LHSCRI, Lawson, and Western University researchers published a study in PLOS One warning of the potential risks, especially for individuals with sleep apnea. The study found no scientific evidence supporting the trend’s claimed benefits and highlighted serious health concerns. The findings, covered by media outlets around the world, could equip the public with facts needed to make better health decisions.

Cannabis use and psychosis

Mental health has been another important focus of our team’s work.

This past year, another LHSCRI study revealed a link between cannabis use and psychosis. Using brain imaging techniques, researchers found individuals who were using cannabis on a frequent basis over an extended period of time exhibited signs of higher levels of dopamine in the same region of the brain that is tied to psychosis. The findings help clarify the biological mechanisms connecting cannabis use and mental health risks, and they underscore the need for awareness, especially as cannabis becomes more widely used since legalization.

Above: Brain scan image of a patient with cannabis use disorder which shows black spots in an area of the brain associated with psychosis.

Looking ahead, our team has been focused on continuing to make an impact on the lives of patients through research. This is work that will continue through the focused dedication, curiosity, and innovation of our people.

“We’re strengthening research at LHSCRI to best support our people in what they do best – improve health care,” says McIntyre. “With more than 2,300 active clinical research studies, we are a centre of excellence in health research. If this year is a reflection of what is to come, the future is bright.”