Download OICR backgrounder

Backgrounder
Effective cancer treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. A pathologist identifies the unique
characteristics of a patient’s tumour and provides information that can be used to target that tumour
with the most effective treatments. Cancer pathology, however, is changing rapidly, with the
introduction of new molecular tools that can provide more precise information about a patient’s
tumour. Providing Ontario’s pathologists with access to the latest training and expertise in these new
tools is essential to ensuring Ontario’s cancer patients continue to receive world-class cancer care.
The Ontario Molecular Pathology Research Network (OMPRN), funded by the Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research (OICR), headquartered at Queen’s University and led by Dr. David Lebrun, has been
established by OICR to address current barriers in cancer pathology research in the province. The
Network will align with investments in cancer research made by OICR and others.
By building capacity in pathology research and training, the Network will help accelerate the adoption of
new diagnostic tools and techniques and prepare the province for the adoption of more precision
oncology in the near future.
The Network will cultivate a research-oriented community of pathologists in Ontario through three
streams of work:
Pathology-led research:
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OMPRN will provide operating grants for projects in which the primary drivers are pathologists
and the primary focus is on pathology cancer research. Cancer Pathology Translational Research
Grants will build the capacity of Ontario pathologists to undertake transdisciplinary research
projects that advance the field of cancer diagnostic, prognostic or predictive testing and provide
learning opportunities for pathology residents or early-career pathologists.
Education:
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OMPRN will provide educational resources in clinical genomics and other advanced diagnostic
approaches for pathology trainees;
An annual meeting will provide and opportunity for molecular pathologists to present their
research, learn and develop a culture of collaboration;
OMPRN will work with the community to promote the incorporation of recent developments in
molecular pathology into pathology training.
Awareness and outreach:
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An OMPRN website will guide pathologists to relevant resources and advertise the capability
and pathology research activity of centres across the province;
A project manager will act as the point of contact for investigators interested in interacting with
the Network.
OMPRN aims to increase participation of Ontario cancer pathologists in high-quality translational
research; enhance collaboration among cancer pathologists across the province and between
pathologists and other clinical investigators; increase research training and mentorship for residents,
fellows and early career pathologists; and ultimately translate all of these efforts into improved
diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.