UBC Faculty of Medicine researchers have received new funding from the Government of British Columbia, in partnership with Genome BC and Genome Alberta, to accelerate the future of patient care and genetic testing for cancer, heart disease, organ transplants, infections and more.
Genomics, the study of genetic material and how genes work together, is used in medicine to develop personalized treatments based on a person’s unique genetic makeup.
The eight funded projects are part of Genome BC’s and Genome Alberta’s Healthy Outcomes through Genomic Innovations program, which aims to help new innovations in genetic testing and precision medicine reach hospitals and clinics faster.
“Genomics is transforming health care, offering new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “By supporting Genome BC, we are helping to advance research to improve patient outcomes and make precision medicine more accessible to people across British Columbia. These efforts will contribute to faster diagnoses, more precise treatments and improved health-care outcomes for patients.”
UBC researchers are leading or collaborating on all eight of the funded projects. Valued at almost $6 million, including $1.7 million from the provincial government via Genome BC, the projects will support new tools to enhance diagnosis, treatment and patient care sooner.
“This initiative is designed to drive the adoption of genomics-based technologies into clinical practice, focusing on projects that deliver tangible patient benefits in the near future,” said Suzanne Gill, president and CEO, Genome BC. “Whether it’s detecting cancer earlier, improving transplant success or tailoring medications to an individual’s genetic makeup, these projects are about making health care work better for everyone.”
Dr. Paul Keown, a professor of nephrology in the UBC faculty of medicine, is leading one of the projects focused on improving kidney transplant monitoring, alongside fellow UBC researchers Dr. James Lan and Karen Sherwood.
“Genomic research is advancing our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of disease, driving precision medicine and transforming health care,” said Dr. Keown. “We are working on innovations that are close to adoption by the health-care system. These projects will deliver meaningful results that directly improve patient care.”
Faculty of Medicine-affiliated projects
- Pediatric innovations in genomics: let everyone be tested
Researchers: Bruce Carleton (UBC Department of Pediatrics); Gregory Guilcher (AB)
Overview: This project will expand pharmacogenetic testing to predict severe chemotherapy side effects in children, making the testing widely accessible and improving safety in pediatric oncology. By embedding these advancements into the health-care system, the project aims to enhance treatment safety and long-term outcomes for pediatric cancer patients.
- Overcoming barriers for rapid adoption of donor-derived cell-free DNA for surveillance of kidney allograft injury in Canada
Researchers: James Lan (UBC Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Medicine); Paul Keown (UBC Department of Medicine); Michael Mengel (AB)
Overview: This project aims to implement a new test for early detection of kidney organ injury in B.C. and Alberta, enhancing the monitoring of transplant health and improving patient care.
- Comprehensive cancer gene fusion detection for B.C. and Alberta
Researchers: Tony Ng (UBC Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine); Erik Nohr (AB)
Overview: This project will roll out new testing in B.C. and AB to better detect fusion genes. This will lead to more accurate, reliable testing and better cancer care.
- “Mainstreaming” genetic testing for non-ischemic cardiomyopathy in Western Canada
Researchers: Thomas Roston (UBC Department of Medicine); Omid Kiamenesh (AB)
Overview: This project will empower heart failure cardiologists in B.C. and Alberta to order genetic tests for hereditary heart conditions, improving early diagnosis and treatment for patients and their families. It has the potential to improve heart failure management, reduce wait times and ultimately save lives.
- Development and testing of an at-home lung cancer-screening test
Researchers: William Lockwood (UBC Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine); David Wishart (AB)
Overview: This project will develop and validate an affordable, at-home lung cancer screening test. By making diagnostics more accessible and reliable, this test will enable early detection and save lives.
- Translation of BSIDx – a rapid diagnostic platform for bloodstream infections
Researchers: Ian Lewis (AB); Michael Mengel (AB); Marthe Charles (UBC Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)
Overview: This project aims to evaluate and implement a rapid diagnostic test for bloodstream infections in Alberta and B.C., reducing diagnostic turnaround time to enhance treatment and save lives.
- Closing GAPS: Genome approach to preventing spread of healthcare-associated infections through innovation and economics
Researchers: Linda Hoang (UBC Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine); Matthew Croxen (AB)
Overview: This project will assess and compare reactive versus proactive genomic surveillance of multi-drug-resistant bacteria in B.C. and Alberta, evaluating the cost-benefit and effectiveness of early intervention strategies.
- Pharmacogenetics data standardization to enhance findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability (PGx-EFAIR)
Researchers: Chad Bousman (AB); J9 Austin (UBC Department of Medical Genetics), Stirling Bryan (UBC School of Population and Public Health), Louisa Edwards (UBC School of Population and Public Health)
Overview: This initiative will standardize pharmacogenetics data reporting in Alberta and B.C., improving its integration into electronic medical records to support personalized medicine and broader adoption of genetic testing.