What’s new at the Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute?

The DNA to RNA Initiative (D2R) awarded over $5.3 million in its second funding cycle, with an additional $3.9 million for training. Several projects led or co-led by GCI researchers received support through the Foundational Projects and Research in Motion (RIM) programs. These investments advance RNA therapeutics and translational research with direct potential to benefit patients.

GCI Investigator, Vincent Giguère and his team discovered that the nuclear receptor ERRγ prevents aggressive neuroendocrine prostate cancer from developing. Loss of ERRγ drives tumor progression, while restoring its activity can reverse cancerous changes. These findings point to promising new treatment strategies targeting ERRγ-related pathways.

The Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) proudly celebrates Plinio Queiroz Da Cruz, Technical Lead of the Histology Innovation Platform, recipient of the 2025 Priyabrata “PB” Mukhopadhyay Award from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS). Since 2019, Plinio has advanced GCI research through his technical excellence, leadership in spatial transcriptomics, and mentorship that inspire innovation and collaboration.

A special event on October 22nd brought together the GCI, DNA to RNA (D2R), the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, and Audace au Féminin for an evening focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion in breast cancer research and careers.

What if genetic drivers of cancer could influence the composition and spatial organization of the tumour microenvironment? This is the question Logan Walsh, researcher at the Rosalind and Morris and Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI), and Dr. Philippe Joubert from l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec addressed in their most recent study published in Nature Communications last September.

As we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, researchers at the Goodman Cancer Institute and the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation have uncovered new insights into the protein CIRBP. Using tumor samples from over 1,600 patients, they found high CIRBP levels predict poorer outcomes in triple negative breast cancer. The discovery highlights CIRBP as a potential therapeutic target. It also underscores how patient partnerships drive meaningful progress in cancer research.

On October 2nd, The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF), announced the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Class of 2026, which included the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute’s Morag Park, PhD.

Behind every breakthrough in cancer research is a story of generosity and purpose. On this year's National Philanthropy Day, the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) proudly recognizes the extraordinary impact of Défi Canderel and the visionary leadership of its founder, Mr. Jonathan Wener.

As we mark leukemia and lymphoma awareness month, the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) is highlighting ongoing research from Principal Investigator Heather Melichar.