Our Focus

Integrating scientific expertise with research on the optical, radiobiological and genetic properties of cancer; to inform and improve patient care.

Established in 2009, Integrative Oncology (IO) is the amalgamation of three previously independent research departments that have a rich history of collaboration with BC Cancer Research; the Department of Cancer Imaging, the Department of Medical Biophysics, and the Department of Cancer Genetics and Developmental Biology. IO scientists have generated a substantial amount of intellectual property over the years, with many considered leaders in their fields of cancer research; in Canada and around the world.

Imaging Unit

The Imaging Unit (formerly Cancer Imaging) is dedicated to the management of cancer through early detection.  Most solid cancers are much more successfully treated if caught early. The Imaging Unit exploits the interaction of light at both the micro- and macro-scopic level to detect, delineate, grade and treat early (predominantly pre-invasive) cancers. This unit focuses on early cancer management issues in the Lung, Cervix, Oral, Breast, Prostate and Skin. 

Radiation Biology Unit

Though not applicable to all cancer patients, radiotherapy is the most efficacious, non-surgical, cancer treatment at BC Cancer (and globally). The Radiation Biology Group within IO focuses on improving our understanding of the cellular and biological impacts of radiation treatments and also aims to develop drugs that will increase the effectiveness of radiotherapy.

Genetics Unit

The Genetics Unit (formerly Cancer Genetics and Developmental Biology), focuses on deciphering genomic and epigenetic changes, and signaling and metabolic pathways in a variety of cancers.

News & Events

Dr. Zhenwei Ma receives Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship

Congratulations to Dr. Zhenwei Ma of Gao Lab (Integrative Oncology) for receiving a Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship. 

The award is tied to the project titled, "Hydrogel adhesive artificial mucosa: a paradigm-shifting platform for esophageal cancer treatment and management.”

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program provides funding to the very best postdoctoral applicants, both nationally and internationally, who will positively contribute to the country's economic, social, and research-based growth. 

BC Cancer 2024 Summer Research Studentship Awards Announced

BC Cancer 2024 Summer Research Studentship competition, sponsored by the BC Cancer Foundation, supports senior undergraduate university students and/or junior medical or dental students seeking hands-on training in cancer research in British Columbia. These summer studentships may address any discipline of cancer research including clinical, translational, basic, behavioural and population research areas.

The 2024 awardees are:

Fumiya Inaba receives CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarships - Master's Award

Congratulations to Fumiya Inaba (Integrative Oncology), for receiving a Canada Graduate Scholarships - Master's Award (CGS-M) from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

The award is tied to a project titled, "Deep Learning Nuclei Segmentation to Predict Risk Groups in Prostate Cancer.”

The CIHR CGS-M awards provide special recognition and financial support to students who are pursuing a Master's degree in a health-related field in Canada, and are expected to have an exceptionally high potential for future research achievement and productivity.

Michael Hall receives CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral Program Award

Congratulations to Michael Hall (Integrative Oncology) for receiving a Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral Program Award (CGS-D) from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

The award is tied to a project titled, "Ex vivo exposure to hypoxia and exogenous pyruvate improves CD8 T cell anti-tumour function and tumour clearance in vivo.”

The CIHR CGS-D provides special recognition and support to students who are pursuing a doctoral degree in a health-related field in Canada.

Please join us in congratulating Michael on this achievement!

Research Labs & Principal Investigators

Recent Publications

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