Dr. Peter Leung’s application to the CIHR Foundation Scheme: First Live Pilot Competition was approved for funding on July 15, 2015. This research program on “Hormonal determinants of women’s reproductive health and disease” will receive funding from CIHR over the next seven years.
The goal of Dr. Leung’s research is to advance basic and clinical knowledge about the hormonal determinants of women’s reproductive health and to use this knowledge to improve the treatment of reproductive disorders, pregnancy complications and gynecologic cancers. Leveraging resources and expertise unique to the Department, Dr. Leung’s research addresses key health issues in three inter-related themes:
Ovarian Follicle: Ovarian disorders and infertility are important topics in reproductive medicine; this theme will identify which hormonal factors in the ovarian follicle can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of female reproductive disorders and infertility
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Implantation & Placentation: Up to 60% of conceptions are lost before 12 weeks and 15-20% of clinical pregnancies never reach term; this theme will characterize the roles of local hormonal factors in the development of the placenta in early pregnancy.
Ovarian & Endometrial Cancers: Ovarian and endometrial cancers are the leading causes of death from gynecologic cancers; this theme will investigate how hormonal factors contribute to the development and progression of ovarian and endometrial cancers.
Understanding the roles of hormonal factors within the ovary, especially as related to ovarian cell functions, will inform innovative approaches to fertility regulation and the treatment of ovarian disorders. This research will deepen our understanding of how local hormonal factors regulate early placental development and will generate important translational opportunities in infertility, pregnancy loss and the management of pregnancy complications. By advancing knowledge on the functions, mechanisms and clinical significance of hormonal factors in ovarian and endometrial cancers, novel strategies will be developed to improve their diagnosis and treatment.