Cancer is not just one disease. Each tumour is unique, and each person will experience cancer differently, requiring tailored therapies matched to the unique drivers of their disease.
To address this tremendous challenge effectively, it takes a diverse range of people working together in multidisciplinary networks on innovations in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Funded by the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) conducts and enables cutting-edge translational cancer research by harnessing the province’s greatest strength: its people. For more than 15 years, OICR has mobilized a vast network of researchers, clinicians, patients and partners in government and industry to develop solutions that improve outcomes for people with cancer and strengthen the province’s economy.
Collaborations are at the heart of all OICR’s work. In fact, we partner with hundreds of organizations in Ontario and around the world to support broad portfolio of research projects. These studies involve thousands of highly trained research personnel and provide access to life-changing clinical trials to many thousands more patients.
Our studies are generating the knowledge and tools behind the next generation of precision medicine – and we don’t stop there. We are also creating translational pathways that bridge the gap between the lab and the clinic, helping turn scientific discoveries into new diagnostics, treatments and practices that help every Ontarians get the right care at the right time. OICR supports cutting-edge clinical trials to develop this “precision medicine” approach, and we are working with partners to create more effective and timely pathways to implement these discoveries in the health system.
Ontario’s tremendous research talent can transform patient outcomes in our province, and it can also be fuel for economic growth. That’s why we have worked with our strategic partner, FACIT, to help launch dozens of start-up companies that are accelerating made-in-Ontario innovations and in keeping the province’s economy strong now and into the future.
The future of cancer innovation requires a sustainable research capacity. So OICR is investing in the next generation of cancer researchers with awards and opportunities for early-career researchers, educational offerings, and a chance to shine as part of the Ontario Rising Stars in Cancer Research Network.
Though we collaborate across various communities, we know that research must include the voice of patients. Together with our Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), OICR is developing a community of patients and community organizations who contribute to key projects and help steer our strategic direction. Through our PFAC, we are also working to ensure the products of our research benefit everyone, including underserved
communities.
Cancer is always changing. By building and sustaining an incredible network of collaborators and communities across Ontario, we are working to stay one step ahead of cancer. OICR is in a unique position to advance cancer care discoveries benefitting the diverse people of our province and people around the world.
