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Alicia Viloria-Petit
Program
About my research…
My group investigates the mechanism of metastasis, the process by which a malignant tumour disseminates to and colonizes distant and vital organs, such as the lungs and the brain. We use breast cancer and osteosarcoma as models, as these are both cancer types that can disseminate distantly. We employ a combination of cell culture and animal models to identify mediators of metastasis, with the ultimate goal of improving cancer diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring, and possibly the treatment of cancer patients.
How my Research Improves Life…
The goal of my research is to improve the life of cancer patients by identifying tools to make better treatment decisions. This can possibly improve several important aspects of the life of a cancer patient, including treatment response, the quality of life, and the overall survival following treatment.
Why you should choose Guelph…
The Biomedical Sciences program at Guelph is an excellent choice for people interested in translational medicine, and in being exposed to different disciplines in biomedicine. We have strong research groups in the areas of cardiovascular medicine, regenerative medicine, neurosciences, and cancer, among others. Thanks to the OVC Veterinary Hospital, and the similarities between dogs, cats and humans in terms of disease causes and presentation, we have the incomparable opportunity of learning about diseases and implementing new and improved tools for their management, while caring for the companion animals that we have the privilege of treating at Guelph.