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

At the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) we often say science is personal, but for one of our trainees, that statement runs deeper than most.

April 25th marks DNA Day, a commemoration of landmark publications on the structure of DNA and celebration of achievements in genetics research. Advances in DNA research and genomics have revolutionized our understanding of cancer, leading to significant improvements in cancer detection, monitoring, and treatment. At the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI), our researchers are at the forefront of cancer genome biology.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are powerful tools that have significantly advanced cancer research. For Earth Day this year, Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) trainees and GCSS Green Labs Initiative members, Marie-Ève Proulx, Stephanie Han, and Kayla Heney, shared eye-opening insights into the environmental impacts of AI, and explored ways we can make our AI usage more sustainable.

The DNA to RNA Initiative (D2R) has awarded over $6 million in its first funding cycle to support research projects and operations at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI). This significant investment aims to drive advancements in genome-guided and RNA-based therapeutics for patients in Canada and worldwide. 

Yuliang Wang, second-year PhD student in Experimental Medicine, received the 2024 Charlotte and Leo Karassik Foundation Oncology PhD Fellowship. This scholarship is designed to support outstanding trainees at McGill University pursuing research at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI).

The GCI is home to countless researchers and staff who have a personal connection to cancer, dedicating their careers to advancing research and improving patient outcomes. During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we highlight GCI alumna and MOH-Q Project Manager, Luisa Izzi, PhD, and her personal connection with colorectal cancer.

 

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been a long-standing research quest at the Goodman Cancer Institute ever since Dr. Phil Gold, the founder of the original McGill Cancer Centre, began his research projects to identify tumor-specific antigens serving as biomarkers, to follow the evolution of the disease or as targets for specific therapies.

During colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness month, we are highlighting recently published research from the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) that aims to improve therapies for CRC patients.

Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day, recognizing the achievements of women and advocating for gender equality. On this day, we celebrate the women at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) and beyond, whose research is driving progress in cancer treatment, particularily for women.