Day 1: June 18, 2026 
Laying the Foundation for the Establishment of a National Strategy for CGP Readiness

9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Conference Day 1 Opening

CCRAN is a national, patient-focused advocacy group, dedicated to improving the longevity and quality of life for all cancer patients in Canada through their persistent efforts in support, education, and advocacy through equal and timely access to effective therapies. 

Our fourth annual pan-tumour Biomarkers Conference will build on the outcomes of past conferences. Over the course of two days, we will once again engage clinicians, pathologists, researchers, policy professionals, patients, and caregivers from within and outside Canada. Building on this foundation, the program will emphasize cross-sector dialogue to advance a more coordinated, pan-Canadian approach to comprehensive genomic profiling in metastatic cancer care. The discussions will explore how patient, clinical, and policy perspectives can be better aligned to support sustainable system-level progress.

Conference Moderator:
Cassandra Macaulay, B.Sc., MHS, RTNM
Chief Research Officer, CCRAN

9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Welcome from CCRAN’s President & CEO

A warm welcome and sincere thanks to all experts and participants. Key highlights in this session include: 
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Filomena Servidio-Italiano, Hon B.Sc., B.Ed., M.A.
President & CEO, CCRAN

Patient:
Gary Puppa
‍Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Survivor; Patient Advocate

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Key Learnings from CCRAN's 2025 Biomarkers Conference

The objectives and outcomes of CCRAN’s 2025 Biomarkers Conference have been captured and summarized in a publication in Current Oncology.

The lead author of the publication will present the key findings, themes and calls to action as highlighted in the paper.

Presentation:
Dr. Stephanie Snow, MD, FRCPC
Medical Oncologist, QEII Health Sciences Centre; Professor, Dalhousie University

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Economic and Health System Readiness: Leveraging Evidence to Support Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Integration Across Canada

To build a sustainable and equitable precision oncology framework, stakeholders require both a compelling economic case and a clear understanding of health system readiness for routine genome-based testing.

This presentation draws on two complementary bodies of work, the comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) cost and benefit analysis findings and the State of Readiness Progress Report II, which examines the conditions required to support the routine use of genomic testing across Canada.

Together, these perspectives will highlight jurisdictional progress, persistent system gaps, and the role of real-world evidence to inform coordinated decision-making. The session will support a broader national conversation on how economic evidence and readiness assessment can guide CGP planning and alignment across provinces and sectors.

This presentation will consider:
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Presentation:
Don Husereau, B.Sc., Pharm, M.Sc.
Adjunct Professor of Medicine, University of Ottawa

Eddy Nason, MPhil, B.Sc.
Director, Health, Signal49 Research

11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Health Break
Educational Videos
Virtual Networking Room (11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.)

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

CDA's Framework for Equitable Biomarker Access: Key Recommendations and Future Directions

The Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA)–AMC Biomarker Assessment Framework represents a critical step toward improving equitable access to biomarker testing across Canada. This presentation will introduce the purpose and structure of the Framework, highlighting its potential to guide more consistent, evidence-informed decision-making and system-wide coordination. Attendees will hear from CDA about the Framework’s objectives, including short- and medium-term strategies to support implementation and collaboration across jurisdictions. The discussion will also highlight opportunities for shared infrastructure, coordinated data access, and policy levers to enable broader uptake.

Session objectives:
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Presentation:
Dr. Laura Weeks, Ph.D.
Director, Health Technology Assessment, Canada's Drug Agency

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Stakeholder Reflections on CDA’s National Biomarker Testing Framework: A Cross-Sector Dialogue

Following the presentation of the CDA Biomarker Assessment Framework, this multi-stakeholder panel will examine its practical implications and translational potential across jurisdictions. Panelists from clinical, regulatory, policy, and patient advocacy sectors will share diverse perspectives on the Framework’s relevance, anticipated challenges, and opportunities for cross-sector alignment. The discussion will explore how a truly national approach to biomarker testing can be equitably implemented and sustainably scaled, with a focus on shared infrastructure, governance mechanisms, and meaningful integration of patient voice.

Key objectives to be explored:
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Moderator:
TBD

Patient:
Dr. Catalina Lopez-Correa, MD, Ph.D.
Breast Cancer Survivor and Advocate; Co-Chair, Global Genomics Network for Education and Training (GGNET); Co-Chair, Patient Working Group, Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network

Panelists:
Cassandra Macaulay, B.Sc., MHS, RTNM
Chief Research Officer, CCRAN

Dr. Laura Weeks, Ph.D.
Director, Health Technology Assessment, Canada's Drug Agency

Dr. Sharlene Gill, MD, MPH, MBA, FASCO
Professor of Medicine, UBC; Medical Oncologist, BC Cancer - Vancouver; Medical & Scientific Advisory Board Co-Chair, Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN)

Additional experts to be confirmed

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Patient Voice Amplified: CGP Making a Difference in the Canadian Cancer Care Landscape Across Tumour Types

As Canada considers broader implementation of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) in metastatic cancer care, patients remain a critical source of real-world insight. This session brings forward the voices of patients across tumour types who have directly benefited from CGP. Patients discuss the impact CGP had on treatment decision-making and overall patient experience. They also share perspectives on access to CGP, including how availability, timing, and integration into care shaped treatment options, communication with care teams, and their experience of living with advanced cancer. As system-level planning advances, these perspectives underscore the importance of timely and equitable access, consistent integration, and clear communication across the diagnostic and treatment continuum.

Areas of focus:
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Moderator:
Eva Villalba, MBA, M.Sc.
VBHC Green Belt; Executive Director, Quebec Cancer Coalition; President, VBHC Learning Community
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Patient Panel:
Corri Desaulniers
Stage IV Cholangiocarcinoma Patient, FGFR2 Fusion; Patient Partner & Advocate, Canadian Cholangiocarcinoma Collaborative (C3)

Mariana Markovic, RN, MN, MHSC, CHE
Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Survivor; Healthcare Consultant, Independent Healthcare Consulting Inc.; Patient Advocate

Dr. Christine Qiong Wu, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Stage IV Lung Cancer Patient; Professor of Engineering, University of Manitoba

Laura Greer
Patient Expert; Executive Vice President and Global Client Lead, Health & Wellness, Burson Canada; Breast Cancer Advocate

Additional experts to be confirmed

3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Health Break
Educational Video: Second Look Cancer, Clinical Trial Matching Tool
Founded by Dillan Eisenhaur

3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Molecular Tumour Boards in Practice: Advancing Standardization and System Readiness

Molecular Tumour Boards (MTBs) play a pivotal role in translating complex genomic and molecular testing results into clinical decision-making. As the use of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) and other advanced molecular diagnostics expands across Canada, MTBs are increasingly central to ensuring consistent interpretation and equitable access to precision oncology expertise.

Yet MTB structure, availability, and functionality vary widely across jurisdictions. This session will examine how MTBs contribute to standardizing interpretation of CGP and other advanced diagnostic approaches, while exploring emerging models that promote equity, consistency, and scalability.

As molecular testing becomes more complex, the discussion will also consider the importance of clinician education and ongoing knowledge support in strengthening genomics literacy and enabling effective interpretation of increasingly detailed molecular reports, particularly in settings where formal MTB infrastructure may be limited.

Key topics of discussion include:
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Moderator:
TBD

Patient:
TBD

Panelists:
Prof. Arndt Vogel, MD, Ph.D.
Clinician Scientist, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toronto General Hospital & Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto

Dr. Erin DeBruin
Manager, Professional Education and Implementation, Genome BC
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Additional experts to be confirmed

4:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Driving Access Through Partnership: The Role of Industry in Canada’s Precision Oncology Landscape

As Canada advances toward more coordinated and equitable access to comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP), industry partners play an important role in helping address longstanding barriers related to infrastructure, education, turnaround times, and system capacity. This session will explore how thoughtful and transparent collaboration across public and private stakeholders can help strengthen CGP readiness across provinces while supporting a patient-centred and evidence-informed approach to precision oncology.  

Through a national panel discussion, experts will examine opportunities to align industry innovation with oncology system priorities, enhance cross-sector coordination, and contribute to sustainable models that support equitable access to CGP across Canada.  

This session will explore:
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Moderator:
Dr. Georgia Balsevich, Ph.D.
Senior Sector Innovation Manager, Genome Alberta

‍Patient:
Christopher Mammoliti, BComm (Hons)
National Patient Programs Manager & Young Adult Cancer Coach, CCRAN; EAOC Patient Expert; Thyroid Cancer Survivor & Late-Stage Colon Cancer Survivor

‍Industry Panel:
André Galarneau
Executive Director, Oncology, Merck

Paul Krzyzanowski
Medical Director, Precision Medicine, Johnson & Johnson

5:45 p.m. - 5:50 p.m.

Glance at Day 2. Closing Remarks from CCRAN's President & CEO.

Filomena Servidio-Italiano, Hon B.Sc., B.Ed., M.A.
President & CEO, CCRAN