Adaptive Oncology
Introduction
What we do
Adaptive Oncology (AO) is an important research arm of OICR that focuses on two key goals: Detecting Cancer Early and finding the Right Treatment at the Right Time.
Why we do it
A patient has the best chance of survival when cancers are discovered early. That’s why Detecting Cancer Early is at the core of AO research. From past research, we also know that cancers are a moving target: they change over time. That means a treatment that worked when a cancer was first detected may no longer work as that cancer changes. By understanding how cancers change, we can manage those changes with different therapies over time. We can offer patients the Right Treatment at the Right Time.
How we do it
The AO team has over 200 researchers across 13 programs and projects working together. Our researchers are creating new tools to find cancers at their earliest stages. Today cancers are largely found by taking images of the body. Our work is improving these images by using new probes to light up cancer cells, and using new equipment to guide biopsies. We are also looking for traces of cancer in blood samples to make early detection even easier. The team is also finding new ways to tell if a cancer is growing slowly or aggressively. Then treatments can be tailored to how aggressive a patient’s cancer is. And we are collecting large amounts of data on cancer cells so we can learn how to treat cancers that have changed.
The AO team is dedicated to working together to find and manage cancer as early as possible, and we are making progress. The work we do will help doctors detect and treat cancers earlier in their patients. More importantly, our work will help more patients manage and live well beyond a cancer diagnosis.
Adaptive Oncology Summary
Inquiries
Director
Dr. Michelle Brazas
michelle.brazas@oicr.on.ca
Telephone: 416-673-8502
Mobile: 416-357-6687
The Adaptive Oncology (AO) Initiative develops “adaptive” approaches to cancer management that anticipate how tumours change over the course of time and in response to therapy.
The Initiative, one of OICR’s three key priority research areas, brings together OICR researchers with expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, machine learning, imaging, robotics and histopathology.
Mission
OICR’s AO Initiative seeks to develop knowledge and approaches to monitor cancer over its life cycle in order to enable precise and proactive clinical management.
Our research will create the groundwork for new clinical and diagnostic paradigms that use the knowledge of spatial and temporal heterogeneity to select the right therapy at the right time.
In turn, these paradigms will create opportunities for commercialization via knowledge bases of predictive biomarkers, diagnostic testing services, decision software systems and novel imaging instrumentation.
Programs
Computational Biology
Utilizes datasets from multiple sources for the development and application of algorithms for cancer genome analysis, biomarker discovery, cancer pathway discovery, data integration and tumour evolution research. Learn more about Computational Biology
Diagnostic Development
Initiates, disseminates and nurtures expertise in the development of diagnostic assays and supports the rapid implementation of precision medicine. Learn more about Diagnostic Development
Genomics
Provides large-scale, next generation sequencing cancer genomics capabilities to researchers in Ontario and beyond. Learn more about Genomics
Genome Informatics
Develops new software, databases and other necessary components to store, organize and compute over the large and complex datasets being generated by OICR’s cancer research programs. Learn more about Genome Informatics
Imaging
Accelerates the translation of research findings and developments of new imaging techniques and probes for cancer into clinical practice. Learn more about Imaging
Projects
Early Detection of Prostate Cancer
This project aims to provide a method to guide prostate biopsy accurately and efficiently by developing a prostate biopsy-guidance system to be integrated into the prostate-specific PET system and a superior PET imaging tracer.
Learn more about this project
Mapping of Heterogeneity in Early Prostate Cancer
This project aims to determine if MRI-guided targeted biopsy, together with the PRONTO molecular signature test can better detect hidden, high-risk prostate cancer cases compared to the current methods. Learn more about this project
OCTANE 2.0
This project aims to integrate molecular data with imaging data to aid development of computational tools and predictive models for aiding clinical decision making. Learn more about this project
Resources
Global Alliance for Genomics and Health
GA4GH was formed to help accelerate the potential of genomic medicine to advance human health.
Learn more about GA4GH
ICGC-ARGO
The ICGC generated comprehensive catalogues of genomic abnormalities in tumours from 50 different cancer types. ICGC AGRO takes the next step in this work by analyzing 100,000 genomes and integrating patient health data to address key clinical and biological questions.
Learn more about ICGC-ARGO
Ontario Tumour Bank
A province-wide biorepository and data bank focused on collection of tumour-related human biospecimens. Learn more about Ontario Tumour Bank
Networks
Ontario Molecular Pathology Research Network
A province-wide network of pathologists collaborating to carry out high-quality cancer research with a clear potential for clinical impact. Learn more about Ontario Molecular Pathology Research Network
Ontario Hereditary Cancer Research Network
Ontario Hereditary Cancer Research Network is the first registry of its kind in Canada and will be used to understand the biology, prevention, early detection and treatment of hereditary cancers. Learn more about OHCRN
In the News
Study of genome sequencing for biliary tract cancer reveals current state of precision oncology in Canada
May 27, 2025
First-in-Canada genomics platform to support greater access to precision oncology
May 07, 2025
‘Ultrarapid’ genomic testing could shift paradigm for cancer treatment
Mar 26, 2025
Ask a Cancer Researcher: Why do some mutations cause cancer, yet others don’t?
Jan 06, 2025
Study reveals early mechanisms behind deadly brain tumours
Jan 02, 2025
Ask a Cancer Researcher: What is a biomarker?
Nov 22, 2024
Longtime OICR Executives to lead Institute through important new chapter
Nov 11, 2024
Ask a Cancer Researcher: What is epigenetics?
Sep 06, 2024
No tumour sample, no problem: Blood test predicts immunotherapy outcomes without biopsy
Jul 23, 2024
Landmark trial brings genomic testing to thousands of Ontarians with cancer
Jun 18, 2024
Ask a Cancer Researcher: Why is it so challenging to find a cure for cancer?
Jun 13, 2024
Ask a Cancer Researcher: How can ultrasound be used to detect breast cancer?
May 14, 2024
Student-developed machine learning model can predict how medicines treat different tumours
Apr 16, 2024
Ask a cancer researcher: Is there a blood test for cancer?
Mar 22, 2024
How AI can help diagnose cancers that are otherwise hard to spot
Mar 06, 2024
Using AI to connect cancer patients with cutting-edge clinical trials
Feb 27, 2024
Ask a cancer researcher: How can Ontarians get tested for hereditary cancers?
Feb 16, 2024
AI helps find new leads for brain cancer drug discovery
Jan 30, 2024
Research suggests expansion of Ontario breast cancer screening program will save lives
Nov 16, 2023
First-ever national library of genomic data will help personalize cancer treatment in Canada and around the world
Oct 27, 2023
Building a bridge between data and discovery
Oct 17, 2023
What happens when I donate my tissue for research?
Oct 03, 2023
The Next Generation: Jingping Qiao
Aug 29, 2023
Ask a Cancer Researcher: How can we predict if breast cancer will come back?
Aug 29, 2023
New framework aims to drive innovation by making health data management ‘FAIR’
Jun 29, 2023
New funding partnership with U of T Data Sciences Institute aims to drive new breakthroughs
Jun 20, 2023
The Next Generation: Alister D’Costa
May 17, 2023
Ask a Cancer Researcher: Why do we sequence tumour DNA?
Apr 26, 2023
The Next Generation: Xindi Zhang
Apr 24, 2023
Third major accreditation to help OICR Genomics power next generation of precision medicine
Apr 04, 2023
International Women's Day: How can we build momentum for women in STEM?
Mar 08, 2023
The Next Generation: Kimberly Skead
Feb 10, 2023
Zooming in on mouse brain development reveals origins of human glial cancers
Dec 08, 2022
The Next Generation: Nick Cheng is looking for early signs of cancer
Nov 23, 2022
Three OICR scientists make ‘highly cited researchers’ list
Nov 15, 2022
The Next Generation: Michelle Harwood, OICR-based PhD candidate, studying what genetic variance means for aging and disease
Oct 26, 2022
Making liver cancer ablations more accurate with 3D ultrasound guidance
Aug 02, 2022
How natural selection influences gene expression and can protect us from disease
Jul 20, 2022
OICR Genomics earns internationally recognized accreditation
Apr 07, 2022
Mammography innovator changing how we see cancer
Mar 30, 2022
New funding from the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research supports projects developing methods for cancer detection and tools to facilitate better treatment decisions for high-risk cancer patients
Dec 01, 2021
International Cancer Genome Consortium empowers cancer researchers everywhere with new cloud computing platform
Nov 23, 2021
New prognostic biomarkers and cancer-driving genes found in the dark matter of the cancer genome
Nov 15, 2021
Clinical trial breaks new ground on using immunotherapy for more cancer types
Sep 07, 2021
Researchers uncover evolutionary forces at play in the aging of the blood system and identify people at increased risk of blood cancer
Aug 17, 2021
Unravelling the secrets of the non-coding cancer genome
Jun 11, 2021
With astonishing speed, OICR team creates national COVID-19 genomic data portal
May 07, 2021
OICR Genomics achieves CAP laboratory accreditation
Apr 26, 2021
OICR to contribute to new Canadian COVID-19 data portal
Apr 08, 2021
OICR-affiliated researchers awarded $6.6 million in funding from CIHR
Mar 09, 2021
OICR’s Dr. John Bartlett named one of the top-cited authors in the Journal of Clinical Oncology
Feb 17, 2021
Standards redefined: What lab accreditation means to OICR Genomics
Feb 03, 2021
Q&A with new OICR Investigator Dr. Shraddha Pai on uncovering the hidden differences between cancers
Jan 08, 2021
Looking Ahead
Receive the latest news, event invites, funding opportunities and more from the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research.