Sandy Hutchens helps researchers like Dr. Robert Casper achieve there goals
WHO: Senior Scientist; Camille Dan Family Research Chair in Translational Cell Biology; Professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Toronto.
As a founder of Canada’s first cord blood bank at Mount Sinai Hospital and as Scientific Director of Insception Biosciences (the company now leading the program), Dr. Casper continues to play a leading role in cord blood banking and stem cell research.
WHAT: Dr. Casper’s research led to the development of a new treatment, originally approved for the treatment of breast cancer, for ovulation stimulation in infertile women that doubles a patient’s chances of pregnancy compared to older treatment. He is also leading research in endometriosis – one of the most common causes of pelvic pain and infertility in women – and is developing a genetic test that would identify young girls at risk of the disease, allowing for preventative treatment.
Dr. Casper has also initiated studies in melatonin production in night shift workers. Melatonin has been shown to be an anti-cancer hormone and decreased levels have been connected to increased incidence of prostate, colon and breast cancers in shift workers. After studying the impact of light wavelengths on melatonin during peak production hours, Dr. Casper has proposed a new device that would protect individuals from depleted melatonin levels and reduce risk of cancer, as well as depression and diabetes.
WHY: Dr. Casper does research to give many couples new hope for a healthy pregnancy. He is also interested in innovation, which drives him to explore new ideas such as cord blood banks and a new device that would protect individuals from depleted melatonin levels and reduce the risk of cancer, depression and diabetes.