APRIL 2025 | HEALTHINSIGHT.CA
Cancer Care A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
@MediaplanetCA
Please recycle
D I S R U PTI V E I N N OVATI ON :
Tackling Cancer in Leaps and Bounds Many problems in cancer need big-picture thinking. Disruptive innovation aims high to drive better cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and support. Dr. Stuart Edmonds, EVP, Mission Research & Advocacy, Canadian Cancer Society
B
ig problems need bold solutions. That’s why impactful innovation is a vital part of cancer research. By looking at research problems in new ways and testing the limits of new technologies, we can gain a better understanding of tricky problems — and find solutions faster. One way the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) supports impactful research is through its Disruptive Innovation Grants, co-created and co-funded with the Lotte & John Hecht Memorial Foundation, which fuel the work of scientists focused on topics like artificial intelligence or personalized, tumour-targeting therapies. These projects allow us to understand how tumours grow and resist treatment, detect disease earlier and more reliably, and test new ideas that could increase survival and quality of life for people diagnosed with cancer. For instance, treatments that boost the immune system’s anti-cancer response are highly effective against some types of cancer, but may not work against others. To make sure that people with cancer receive the best possible treatment, Dr. Jean-Simon Diallo and colleagues at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute are testing thousands of drugs using a lab test that lights up when anti-tumour immune responses are blocked. Drugs that make the test signal go down could help boost the body’s immune response against cancer – and could even be combined with cancer-killing viruses that help alert the immune system to the presence of cancer. Disruptive innovation is changing the way we approach cancer science, introducing a new class of research that looks for ambitious solutions where they’re needed most.
Want to know more about what’s moving cancer research forward? Find out about the latest CCS Disruptive Innovation Grants by scanning the QR code.
Senior Strategic Account Manager: Meredith Burt Strategic Account Director: Jessica Golyatov Content Strategy Manager: Nicole Kansakar Country Manager: Nina Theodorlis Production & Delivery Manager: Michael Taylor Creative Director: Kylie Armishaw Digital Designer: Miranda Robinson Digital Media Manager: Karm Rathod All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve Maclean’s Magazine or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.
Breakthrough in Bladder Cancer Treatment: A New Era of Hope Bladder Cancer Canada
B
ladder cancer treatment has entered a transformative era with Padcev (enfortumab vedotin) and Keytruda (pembrolizumab), a groundbreaking combination recently approved by Health Canada. This innovative therapy is transforming outcomes for patients with metastatic urothelial cancer, offering hope for patients who previously faced limited treatment options. Historically, advanced bladder cancer treatment relied heavily on chemotherapy, which often provided short-term benefits and came with significant side effects. Padcev is a treatment which attacks bladder cancer cells by targeting a specific protein, while Keytruda enhances the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells. Together, they create a powerful synergy. This combination has dramatically improved patient outcomes, delaying disease progression and increasing overall survival. The response rate has
shown an impressive 68 per cent, with 29 per cent of patients achieving complete remission. This combination has While the combinadramatically improved patient outcomes, tion is a game-changer, delaying disease it does have side effects, progression and including skin toxicity, increasing overall neuropathy, high blood survival. sugar, and gastrointestinal issues. Early recognition and management are essential to maintaining quality of life. This breakthrough represents a Serge, a patient who underwent significant leap forward, offering hope Padcev + Keytruda treatment, shared for improved outcomes and quality of Serge his experience, “The quality of life has life for patients. As advocacy and eduPatient surpassed my expectations. I’ve been cation continue to play a vital role, the able to golf and walk the course three future of bladder cancer care looks times a week this summer. It’s about brighter than ever. adjusting and allowing time to rest, but overall, it’s been a positive experience.” To find support or learn more, contact Bladder Cancer Looking ahead, researchers are Canada today or visit bladdercancercanada.org. exploring the use of this combination in earlier stages of bladder cancer, and This article is sponsored by are exploring other targeted therapies Bladder Cancer Canada. to further personalize treatment.
A SMARTER FIGHT AGAINST CANCER:
The Power of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN)
C
ancer care is no longer limited by a onesize-fits-all approach. Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) is transforming metastatic cancer care by identifying precision therapies tailored to each patient’s tumour’s characteristics. Unlike traditional approaches, CGP analyzes hundreds of genes in a single test, uncovering mutations that can be targeted with cutting-edge treatments, leading to better outcomes. For metastatic cancer patients, time is critical. CGP reduces the trial-and-error approach of standard treatments, ensuring patients receive the most effective therapies quickly. This improves survival rates, minimizes exposure to ineffective treatments, reduces toxicity, and lowers healthcare costs. Dr. Michael J. Raphael, a leading Medical Oncologist in Toronto, asserts, “CGP is tremendously important for all patients facing advanced cancers. It unlocks the potential for targeted, personalized cancer treatments. Most importantly, it offers hope of finding the best possible treatment to help patients live as long and as well as possible.”
2
READ MORE AT HEALTHINSIGHT.CA
Despite its proven benefits, CGP remains inaccessible to many due to funding and policy gaps. Expanding access to CGP as a standard of care in metastatic cancer would ensure equitable opportunities for all advanced cancer patients to receive precision treatments, regardless of finances or location. The Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN) continues to advocate for better access to CGP on behalf of all metastatic cancer patients and in collaboration with multiple tumour type patient advocacy groups, through research projects, conferences, and publications. "Every metastatic cancer patient deserves the chance to benefit from precision medicine. CGP provides critical insights that can change the trajectory of their disease," says Filomena-Servidio Italiano, President & CEO of CCRAN. Broader access to CGP can empower patients with targeted treatments that give them the best possible chance at a longer, healthier life, while adding value to our burdened healthcare system.
Dr. Michael J. Raphael Medical Oncologist, Toronto
Filomena-Servidio Italiano President & CEO, CCRAN
To learn more visit ccran.org.
This article is sponsored by the Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN).
A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
Why the Future of Cancer Care Starts at The Princess Margaret Princess Margaret Cancer Centre’s culture of excellence fosters a virtuous cycle of research and innovation with global impact.
C
Tania Amardeil
ancer patients all agree on one thing: three of the scariest words ever spoken are “you have cancer.” When an individual — someone’s daughter, son, partner, mother, father, sister, or friend — hears these words, life is instantly changed, and filled with fear, uncertainty, and a whirlwind of emotions — not just for the patient, but for all those who love and care for them. That’s why Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto is committed to working ceaselessly to improve the cancer experience and outcomes for patients. From developing innovative diagnostic techniques that can detect cancer earlier, to pioneering new more targeted cancer treatments, to providing unparalleled care and comprehensive support, The Princess Margaret has earned its place as a world-leading beacon of hope.
Driving transformative change The Princess Margaret’s leadership is rooted in its dedication to research and innovation. Breakthroughs in genomics and AI are helping to advance treatment planning and personalized medicine. Dr. Alejandro Berlin is the Medical Director of Cancer Digital Intelligence at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre,
where he also serves as a clinician-sciThe Princess Margaret, creating a entist and radiation oncologist. His virtuous cycle of discovery and research focuses on the treatment and impact,” he says. “The sparks management of prostate cancer as well that are ignited here shed light as using digital health technology to all around the world in the improve and shift current care paraform of new treatments and digms. For him, this work is not only improved care.” deeply personal — he lost his father to As Dr. Berlin explains, the cancer — but also incredibly urgent. team at The Princess Margaret is “Cancer is often associated with focused on rethinking how they deliver the darkest time in someone’s life,” care and how to make things more says Dr. Berlin. “As health care pracpatient-centric, efficient, and streamtitioners, we need to keep hope high lined. “Some of my flagship research on our priority list. When I projects include using genomics think about The Princess to better match treatments Margaret’s inspiring to the aggressiveness of new brand, Carry individual tumours The Fire, I think and using AI to generWe need to push of moving faster, ate rapid and highly boundaries in order being more effective radioto change the reality nimble. We need therapy treatment of cancer for to push boundplans,” he adds. everyone affected aries in order to Other digital by it. change the reality health initiatives, of cancer for everyone such as asynchronous affected by it.” care — where patients and healthcare providers communiIgniting sparks cate without needing to be available Dr. Berlin believes that innovation at the same time — and AI-powered comes from a culture of excellence and pathology, are further enhancing a collective responsibility to do better patient experiences and streamlining every day. care. And these innovations aren’t “There are many incredibly taljust shaping cancer care at The Prinented, creative, and committed people cess Margaret — they’re redefining the who are proud to work in a place like future of cancer care globally.
A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
Dr. Alejandro Berlin Medical Director of Cancer Digital Intelligence, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
To learn more, please visit CARRYTHEFIRE.CA. This article is sponsored by The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
READ MORE AT HEALTHINSIGHT.CA
3
How the New Signatera™ Test Is Revolutionizing Cancer Monitoring An innovative new test offers a better way to get earlier, more precise information after cancer treatment. Tania Amardeil
T
he uncertainties of living with cancer are very challenging. Is treatment working? Is the cancer really gone? Will it come back? A groundbreaking blood test is helping answer these questions sooner and with greater accuracy. Signatera™, developed by Natera and available through LifeLabs, is a custom-designed, tumour-informed molecular residual disease (MRD) test uniquely personalized for each patient based on their specific tumour mutations. By detecting cancer presence or recurrence earlier than traditional tools, it’s revolutionizing cancer monitoring.
An innovation in solid tumour cancer monitoring “When tumour cells die, they shed their
DNA into the bloodstream,” explains Ron Carter, Genetics Program Director for LifeLabs Genetics. “By analyzing these circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) fragments, Signatera™ can provide accurate detection of residual disease or an early signal of recurrence — often three to six months before it’s detectable through traditional imaging.” The test is used to monitor solid tumour cancers, including colorectal, breast, lung, and bladder cancers. It boasts extremely high analytical performance — it has been clinically proven to have 88 to 100 per cent sensitivity and 90 to 100 per cent specificity. It is going to help inform treatment decisions, reduce unnecessary hospital visits, and allow for more proactive care. “It has already gained strong adoption in the U.S., where over half of oncologists are using it, and we’re seeing increasing interest in Canada as
well,” says Dennis Dobrovolsky, Product Manager of Oncology at LifeLabs, the exclusive Canadian provider of Signatera™. In Canada, out-of-country funding can help patients cover the cost, making it more accessible. “It's important to consider the potential benefits for patients and our healthcare system — accurate monitoring in a community setting, fewer hospital visits, the possibility of avoiding further treatment for patients who have a low likelihood of relapse, and earlier interventions for patients who are at high risk of relapse,” adds Carter. The Signatera™ test is recommended for periodic use over the course of your treatment and posttreatment as directed by your doctor to detect the presence of disease.
Learn more at lifelabsgenetics.com/ product/signatera or speak to your oncologist.
Ron Carter Genetics Program Director, LifeLabs Genetics
Dennis Dobrovolsky Product Manager of Oncology, LifeLabs
This article is sponsored by LifeLabs.
Bridging the Gap Between Research and Cancer Treatment BioCanRx is a network of scientists, clinicians, academic institutions, patients, NGOs, and industry partners working together to accelerate the development of cancer immunotherapies to get these to patients more quickly. Abigail Cukier
A
t a conference in 2016, Canadian researchers listened to US scientists talk about making CAR T cells. In CAR T-cell therapy, a patient's own immune cells are used to recognize and kill cancer cells. “Our researchers came out feeling deflated, because we didn't have the capability to make CAR T cells in Canada,” says Dr. Stéphanie Michaud, President and CEO of BioCanRx. “We realized we had all the pieces to be able to make a CAR T cell and what we needed was to stitch up all of these components to deliver this therapy to patients. And that's what we did.” Researchers in Ottawa and British Columbia developed a made-in-Canada CAR T-cell therapy program using manufacturing equipment and facilities in Canada. “We were able to provide this life-saving therapy to patients who would otherwise not have had access,” Michaud says.
4
READ MORE AT HEALTHINSIGHT.CA
Working together to accelerate development of immunotherapy This was one of the first projects of BioCanRx, a network of scientists, clinicians, academic institutions, patients, NGOs, and industry partners working together to accelerate the development of cancer immunotherapy. Originally funded through the Government of Canada’s Networks of Centres of Excellence program, the network has continued to grow and impact immunotherapy research in Canada since it’s inception in 2015. Today, CAR T-cell therapy is just one of many areas of research BioCanRx focuses on. “We operate nationally and our goal is to make all cancers treatable through the development of new immunotherapies,” Michaud says. Canada has a strong record of health discovery but does not perform as well at translating these discoveries to treatment. BioCanRx is address-
ing the structural issues that block We operate this crucial step nationally and by reducing our goal is to make barriers and all cancers treatable Dr. Stéphanie through the investing into development of new Michaud translational immunotherapies. President & CEO, research — the BioCanRx step that brings discovery from the lab bench to clinical trial and ultimately to patients. “Key to continuing on this path is that we were recognized by the federal government with $38 million in funding from 2024 to 2029 through the Learn more at inaugural Strategic Science Fund. This biocanrx.com. has enabled us to continue to deliver on our mission,” Michaud says. This article is “This network is about bridging sponsored by BioCanRX. that gap between the phenomenal research in Canada and turning it into reality via clinical trials for our patients.”
A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
Transformative Change in Blood Cancer Care Means Hope for Canadian Patients
T
BeiGene Canada he fight against cancer is relentless, and for Canadians living with blood cancers such as Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), innovation is critical. As the treatment landscape evolves, one biotechnology company is dedicated to ensuring that life-saving therapies reach those who need them most. BeiGene, a global oncology firm, entered the Canadian market in 2021 and is disrupting cancer care with its pioneering therapies. Health Canada has approved five indications for BeiGene’s BTK inhibitor, including treatments for B-cell malignancies like CLL. The real commitment of BeiGene, however, is to make these novel therapies available to all Canadians. BeiGene Canada’s Country Medical Director, Brad Gillesby, Ph.D., is undeterred. “Our focus is on changing
the way blood cancer care is delivered in Canada. Innovation is only meaningful if it reaches the patients who need it.” "Treating blood cancers like CLL has come a long way in recent years, thanks to advancements in targeted therapies like BRUKINSA,” says Dr. Jacqueline Costello, adult hematologist and clinical assistant professor at Memorial University. “These innovations have extended survival rates and improved the quality of life for many of my patients. The next step is ensuring equitable access to these treatments for patients across Canada." Beyond cutting-edge therapies, BeiGene is committed to holistic patient support through its myBeiGene program, which helps patients manage the financial, emotional, and logistical challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.
BeiGene also emphasizes community involvement as a critical component of its mission, partnering with patient organizations like Gilda’s Toronto, whose purpose is to help patients, caregivers, and families live while living with cancer, and participating in fundraising events like Lymphoma Canada’s Laps Around Lymphoma and Leukemia & Lymphoma Canada’s Light the Night. As BeiGene’s robust pipeline becomes available in Canada, the company continues to drive change through collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, patient advocates, and governments, bringing hope for a future of accessible cancer care.
For more information, visit beigene.ca. This article is sponsored by BeiGene Canada.
Innovative cancer treatments are making a difference—but only when patients can access them. Canadians wait over two years for innovative treatments—longer than any other G7 country. Faster access can save lives. innovativemedicines.ca A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
READ MORE AT HEALTHINSIGHT.CA
5