By investing in research projects on a pathway towards clinical adoption, OICR supports studies that evolve from testing pre-clinical ideas to new potential therapies and new precision medicine tools for patients. Several of the studies announced today are moving forward after showing initial promise as part of the OICR Adaptive Oncology program, while others are studies advancing from the earlier funded Translational Research Initiatives.

“One of OICR’s goals is to fund work along the continuum of a cancer patient’s journey starting from initial diagnosis or early relapse after initial therapy. The new CTP is supporting the development of precision oncology tools to select the best therapies in order to more effectively intervene in the disease process earlier and prevent further disease progression towards a more uncontrollable situation,” says Dr. Laszlo Radvanyi, OICR’s President and Scientific Director. “The CTP is critical to accelerate the progression of research findings that show real potential to move into clinical trials and eventually into the health care system. The CTP also synergizes with OICR’s window-of-opportunity clinical trial network to develop the best precision medicine tools for our patients.”


“Ontario is proud to support OICR in creating a clear path from the clinic to real-world application for research that advances the early detection and intervention of cancer,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “Thanks to OICR’s work, the impressive oncology discoveries and innovations from these 16 projects could lead to improved patient outcomes in the future — ensuring Ontarians with cancer have hope for a better future.”

The CTP is part of OICR’s Clinical Translation research theme, which supports the advancement of discoveries through early clinical validation, partnering with patients, industry and the health system for downstream development and implementation.

The other new funded researchers include:

Dr. Jane Bayani – Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
Dr. Tobias Berg – McMaster University
Dr. Scott Bratman – University Health Network
Dr. David Cescon – University Health Network
Dr. Eric Chen – University Health Network
Dr. John Dick – University Health Network
Dr. Marc de Perrot – University Health Network
Dr. Richard Kim – Lawson Health Research Institute
Dr. Natasha Leighl – University Health Network
Dr. Stephanie Lheureux – University Health Network
Dr. Mitchell Sabloff – The Ottawa Hospital

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