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the cancer collaborative is a catalyst for change, where disruptive ideas and creative strategy come together to challenge systems, influence policy, and drive real impact for people affected by cancer.
#KNOWVEMBER
IS PRECISION ONCOLOGY AWARENESS MONTH
this month is about understanding the science that’s already changing the future of cancer care and the work we do all year to make it accessible to everyone.
what is
precision oncology?
Precision oncology uses information about the biology of the cancer to help guide care. Alongside where the cancer started and how far it has spread, it considers features such as changes in genes and levels of certain proteins.
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Biomarker testing can help identify treatments or clinical trials that may be relevant—and treatments unlikely to help. The results are considered alongside other clinical information and the person’s needs and preferences.cancer​
Different findings can guide different decisions
- Changes in genes may point to targeted treatments
- Certain biomarkers may help guide the use of immunotherapy
- Other tests may help assess whether additional treatment is likely to be beneficial.
biomarkers across different cancer stages
Biomarkers can serve different purposes at different points in care. Which tests are useful depends on the cancer type, stage and clinical question (cancer)
at diagnosis
Some biomarkers help identify the cancer’s subtype or provide information that can guide initial treatment decisions
treatment planning
Testing may help identify suitable treatments or clinical trials. In some circumstances, further testing can help explain changes in treatment response
during follow up
Certain biomarkers help monitor response or look for signs of recurrence. The role of newer tests, including ctDNA, depends on the cancer and the intended use
which test does what
different tests answer different questions
IHC
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) examines tumour tissue for particular proteins, such as HER2 or PD-L1. The findings can help classify the cancer or inform treatment decisions.
single gene testing & hotspot panels
Single-gene tests look for changes in a particular gene, such as EGFR. Hot spot panels examine selected regions across several genes where cancer-related changes commonly occur. Both provide focused information rather than a broad genomic profile.
Some tests examine proteins; others look for changes in genes. Testing may use tumour tissue or a blood sample, and some people need more than one type of test (cancer)
NGS & CGP
Next generation sequencing (NGS) can examine many genes at once.
Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) uses this technology to examine a broad range of genomic changes and patterns that may inform treatment.
liquid biopsy & ctDNA
A blood based liquid biopsy can examine circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) fragments released by the tumour. Some tests look for changes that may guide treatment; others have different monitoring purposes.
the future of cancer treatment depends on testing
As more cancer treatments are designed for specific molecular features, biomarker testing becomes essential to identifying who may benefit. Preparing for these treatments means planning for the testing alongside them.
what this means for Canada
eight questions to ask your care team
Knowing what to ask can help you understand where biomarker testing fits into your care. Use these questions to talk with your care team about testing, results and what they could mean for your treatment options
1
Is biomarker testing recommended for the type and stage of cancer I’ve been diagnosed with?
2
What biomarker testing has already been done, and is any further testing recommended before we decide on treatment?
3
If testing is recommended, can it use tissue already collected, or will I need a blood test or another biopsy?
4
“How long will the results take, and what is the plan for my care while we wait?
5
What do the results mean for my treatment options, and which treatment do you recommend?
6
Is there a clinical trial that could be suitable for me based on these results?”
7
If the results don’t identify a targeted treatment option, what are my other treatment options?
8
Would I have to pay out of pocket for any recommended testing or treatment?
These questions are a starting point. Bring your own questions, concerns and priorities to the conversation.
different words, one goal
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, which can make the language confusing. They have different meanings, but all help explain the biology of the cancer. Here’s how they fit together.
A section of DNA that contains instructions for how cells function, including making proteins. (genome)
gene
genome
The complete set of DNA in a cell—including its genes and the DNA between them. (genome)
mutation
A section of DNA that contains instructions for how cells function, including making proteins. (genome)
biomarker
A measurable biological feature, such as a gene change or protein level, that can provide information about the cancer or help guide care. (cancer)
molecular profile
The molecular features of the cancer identified through testing. What the profile includes depends on which tests were performed.(cancer)
download and share
Free resources for everyone to use and share—to understand biomarker testing, prepare for conversations and help others learn.
The Sun-Smart Collection
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Comfort X Design
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Transport In Style
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for advocates &
patient groups
Policy briefs, shared recommendations and campaign resources to support your work. Bring lived experience into the conversation and connect with opportunities for collective action
for providers
Testing and implementation resources, policy insights and patient information. Explore where clinical expertise can help address gaps and shape change
for industry
Policy and advocacy resources, collaboration opportunities and ways to support accessible testing
for health system
decision makers
Provincial comparisons, policy evidence and perspectives from people delivering and receiving care. Inform decisions with a fuller picture of implementation and its impact
looking for support for a specific cancer?
our partners lead disease specific information and support
why precision oncology awareness month (#POAM)
nearly every cancer drug in development now comes with a diagnostic test. the science is ready; understanding and access have not kept pace.since 2018, the cancer collaborative has worked to close that gap. this resource is independent, bilingual, free to reuse, and refreshed every year.
colab | #KNOWvember
independent, non-promotional information on precision oncology and biomarker testing in canada, from the cancer collaborative | le collaboratoire cancer. reviewed and refreshed every year.
explore
know the science
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biomarker awareness day
KNOWVEMBER
testing experience survey
who is doing what in precision oncology
access across canada
for advocates & patient groups
for providers
for industry
for health system leaders
colab's advocacy work in precision oncology