BC-POGP

Program Description

The BC Cancer (BC Cancer)’s Personalized OncoGenomics (POG) program is a research initiative that aims to:

1. generate whole genome and transcriptome datasets from patients with incurable cancers,
2. link these to clinical, health services, and outcomes data and 
3. embed whole genome analysis into real-time treatment planning for such patients. 

Our rationale is that use of whole genome analysis in clinical decision-making allows for sensitive, rational, data driven and integrated treatment strategies to comprehensively identify cancer cell vulnerabilities and use information about these vulnerabilities to block the growth of cancers. Alignment of patients to clinical trials using whole genome and transcriptome analysis is also enhanced compared to less comprehensive profiling, potentially leading to more effective therapeutic options.

Program Goals and Expected Outcomes

Timely generation and analysis of genomic data to guide treatment planning for individual patients have emerged as a goal of our Centre. Building on our early experience, POG seeks to deploy whole genome and transcriptome analysis (WGTA) systematically to move towards routine generation of such data in clinically relevant settings. A key objective is to study genomic alterations that are driving the cancer – making it aggressive or resistant to treatment—and their consequences, including understanding previous treatment responses and potential treatment options targeting observed alterations or treatments that are unlikely to be effective.

What gaps in existing knowledge will be addressed by the study?

Cancer biology research and translation into the clinic requires comprehensive data sets that are complete, accurate, permanent, and accessible. This work also benefits by the amalgamation of data, information, and knowledge to contribute to having sufficient depth and quality to enable hypotheses to be tested and meaningful findings to be shared. The BC POGP resources will add to the global resources of ICGC ARGO and benefit from the larger global set of data.

Program Team

Marco Marra, MD PhD

Lead Investigator

Funding Organisations

Further Information

Program Website