The Ottawa Hospital is a world leader in cancer research, with basic and clinical researchers working together to improve our understanding of cancer, to develop new therapies, and to determine how best to prevent and diagnose this disease. The cancer research labs at The Ottawa Hospital are beside the clinics where cancer patients come for tests and treatments. Passing cancer patients on their way to the lab inspires our researchers to continue their important work. In addition, the proximity to cancer physicians makes it easier to collaborate on projects, leading to stronger research and better care. The cancer research labs are also home to the Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre Virus Manufacturing Facility. The highly trained staff in this state-of-the-art facility specialize in making viruses and other biotherapeutics for clinical trials. Viruses are a key ingredient in many vaccines, including some novel vaccine candidates for COVID-19 that the facility is helping to manufacture. Another of the facility’s specialties is oncolytic, or cancer-killing, viruses. These modified viruses infect and kill cancer cells without harming healthy cells. They also stimulate the body’s own immune system to recognize and attack the cancer. For Digital Doors Open, take the video tour below to see some of the steps that researchers take to make these cancer-killing viruses.