RI-MUHC researchers have received $7.5 million from the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research for new study to personalize treatments Esophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive tumours and is the fastest rising cancer in North America. This cancer has a poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 20 per cent. Although treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are frequently used to help cure this tumour, these therapies are difficult for patients and frequently ineffective.