Integrating biomarker testing into routine practice
Molecular cancer biomarkers are genes, proteins, or metabolites that can be found in body fluids, tissues, or cells and provide key insights into a person’s cancer and its behaviour.
By predicting an individual’s cancer risk, outcomes, and response to treatment, biomarkers can be used to guide personalized cancer care, with the goal of better health outcomes and potentially lower health system costs. However, molecular genomic testing is not consistently integrated into routine clinical practice in Canada, in part due to varied levels of access, standards, and decision-making processes.
The Pan-Canadian Cancer Genomics Community of Practice aims to develop a common approach to integrating biomarker testing into routine practice. It is doing this by:
- Facilitating the sharing of expertise and best practices
- Discussing emerging trends, challenges and opportunities, and
- Providing a platform for addressing common issues.
Who’s involved
Canada’s Drug Agency, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and CAPCA are collaborative partners on the Pan-Canadian Cancer Genomics Community of Practice.
This group brings together subject matter experts in cancer genomics from across Canada and engages patients and caregivers with lived experience, helping to address differences in access, standards and decision-making that may vary between jurisdictions.
Latest updates
Pan-Canadian Cancer Genomics Community of Practice begins work on a consensus framework
2024-12-19
The Pan-Canadian Cancer Genomics Community of Practice is prioritizing the development of a consensus-based assessment framework to guide adoption and funding decisions for genetic and genomic biomarkers in cancer care.
“This collaboration will pave the way for future breakthroughs in cancer care and genomics. Together, we are making history and shaping the future of cancer treatment in Canada.”
Sri Navaratnam, Chair, CAPCA Board of Directors
