The annual meeting of the Canadian Society of Transfsuion Medicine (CSTM) was held this year in Toronto. This conference is a unique forum in which all the leading players in transfusion medicine from across the country, gather to discuss all aspects of the discipline, from novel research developments to innovative approaches for clinical care. Canadian Blood Services (CBS) members of the Centre for Blood Research (CBR) were well-represented with poster presentations, invited lectures, and two major awards bestowed that were honoured with plenary talks.

Ibrahim Mustafa, a PhD candidate in the lab of Mark Scott, was awarded the Top Clinical Science Abstract and gave a well-received presentation on improved high molecular weight iron-chelation therapy in thalassemia. His work is focussed on the development of new iron chelators and iron-shuttle chelation therapy that address the unique needs of developing nations such as the Maldive Islands – Mr. Mustafa’s homeland. The Maldives have one of the highest rates of thalassemia in the world and would benefit greatly by the introduction of effective, inexpensive and non-toxic chelation approaches, such as those being investigated by Mr. Mustafa.

Dr. Peter Schubert, a Research Associate in the lab of Dr. Dana Devine, and a UBC Clinical Assistant Professor with the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, was awarded the Top Basic Science Abstract. Peter also received this distinction in 2010 for studies on ″Gender disparity of blood platelets: Localization of RhoA mediates differences in platelet activation″ in which the investigators reported a gender difference in platelets that is linked to GTPase-mediated signal transduction. This year, with the help of co-authors Brankica Culibrk and Danielle Coupland, Peter reported new discoveries in a presentation entitled ″Aberrant activation of kinases is associated with reduced platelet quality after Mirasol treatment″. They analyzed changes in the proteome of platelet concentrates brought about by treatment with a pathogen reduction technology.

The CBR is proud of the achievements of all of our CBS colleagues. Their work demonstrates the strength of our research efforts in transfusion medicine and our efforts towards ‘investing in our future’ – the theme of this year’s CSTM conference. The 2012 CSTM conference will be held in Halifax, and we’re expecting similar great accomplishments to be reported there, which will hopefully include completion of a hat trick by Peter and his colleagues! Good luck to all!