Developing and deploying genomics technologies in support of cancer and life sciences research.

Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) at BC Cancer is an international leader in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics for precision medicine. By developing and deploying cutting-edge genome sequencing, computational and analytical technology, we are creating novel strategies to prevent and diagnose cancers and other diseases, uncovering new therapeutic targets and helping the world realize the social and economic benefits of genome science. 

Technology Platform

The GSC is available to support your research. We guide experimental design, facilitate the processing of complex biological samples and provide numerous sequencing and bioinformatic services with the aim of making genomics accessible to the international scientific community. Explore our technology platforms and services, and if you have questions or would like to collaborate please fill out our contact form or speak directly with one of our platform leaders.

The GSC is ISO27001 certified for information security management.

Scientific Research

The 16 faculty members at the GSC have a diverse range of expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, proteomics, epigenomics, immunogenetics, cancer biology, computer science and software development. Together, we apply our knowledge to advance the global understanding of cancer and other diseases with an ultimate aim toward improving human health through disease prevention, the development of novel diagnostic strategies and by uncovering new therapeutic approaches, all the while helping the world to realize the social and economic benefits of genome research.

Clinical Programs

The GSC is unique in that it fosters close collaborations between scientists and clinicians, allowing for an unencumbered focus on direct translational research. Through the Personalized OncoGenomics (POG) program, the GSC deploys whole genome and transcriptome sequencing to inform therapeutic and management strategies for late-stage cancer patients in real time. The GSC is also certified by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Diagnostic Accreditation Program (DAP) to perform clinical genomic panel testing.

Questions?

Please feel free to speak with one of our Platform Leaders directly:

Directors & Platform Leaders

News

Sep 20, 2024

Registration Now Open for Inaugural GSC Collaborator Forum

Registrations are now open for the Inaugural GSC Collaborator Forum on Tuesday, October 22nd!

An exciting line-up of invited speakers will share insights into topics ranging from plant genomes to the latest advances in cancer research. Join us for a day of sharing technical expertise and networking with Vancouver’s vibrant genomic research community!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gsc-collaborator-forum-tickets-1005351151357?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sep 10, 2024

Two BC Cancer research teams awarded in 2024 competition for prestigious Terry Fox New Frontiers Program Project Grants

Two BC Cancer research teams are 2024 recipients of the Terry Fox New Frontiers Program Project Grants (PPG), receiving new and renewal funding to advance cancer research and improve treatments. 

Project: Integrated Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

One of this year’s newly funded teams is based in Victoria and led by Dr. Brad Nelson. 

Dr. Nelson, a BC Cancer Research Institute distinguished scientist and director of the Deeley Research Centre, will lead a team studying the immune system to improve treatments for high-grade serous ovarian cancer. 

Jun 12, 2024

A decade of work advances care for children with cancer

Four out of five children diagnosed with cancer survive over the long term after treatment, but for 20 per cent of them, standard treatment is not enough. To improve outcomes for these kids, researchers at the Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR) have been working for over a decade on the BC Pediatric Personalized OncoGenomics (PedsPOG) study, using genomics to identify treatments specific to an individual child’s cancer.

Publications

Deep whole-genome ctDNA chronology of treatment-resistant prostate cancer

Nature
Cameron Herberts, Matti Annala, Joonatan Sipola, Sarah W S Ng, Xinyi E Chen, Anssi Nurminen, Olga V Korhonen, Aslı D Munzur, Kevin Beja, Elena Schönlau, Cecily Q Bernales, Elie Ritch, Jack V W Bacon, Nathan A Lack, Matti Nykter, Rahul Aggarwal, Eric J Small, Martin E Gleave, David A Quigley, Felix Y Feng, Kim N Chi, Alexander W Wyatt
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