Dr. Michael J. Raphael
Medical Oncologist,
Toronto
Filomena-Servidio Italiano
President & CEO,
CCRAN
Cancer care is no longer limited by a one-size-fits-all approach. Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) is transforming metastatic cancer care by identifying precision therapies tailored to each patient’s cancer. Unlike traditional approaches, CGP analyzes hundreds of genes through a single test, potentially uncovering mutations that can be targeted with cutting-edge treatments, that may lead to better outcomes.
For metastatic cancer patients, time is critical. CGP reduces the trial-and-error approach associated with standard treatments, ensuring patients receive the most effective therapies quickly. This may improve survival rates, minimize exposure to ineffective treatments, reduce toxicity, and lower healthcare costs. Dr. Michael J. Raphael, a Medical Oncologist at the Odette Cancer Centre in Toronto, asserts, “CGP is tremendously important for all patients facing advanced cancers. It unlocks the potential for targeted, personalized cancer treatments. Most importantly, it offers hope of finding the best possible treatment to help patients live as long and as well as possible.”
Despite its proven benefits, CGP remains inaccessible to many due to funding and policy gaps. Expanding access to CGP as a standard of care in metastatic cancer would ensure equitable opportunities for all advanced cancer patients to receive precision treatments, regardless of finances or geographical location. The Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN) continues to advocate for better access to CGP on behalf of all metastatic cancer patients and in collaboration with multiple tumour type patient advocacy groups, through research projects, conferences, and publications.
As part of this effort, CCRAN is spearheading a research project in collaboration with the Conference Board of Canada to evaluate the utility and value of CGP. The study’s primary objective is to identify the cost-benefit of integrating CGP as a standard of care for metastatic cancer patients across Canada’s five most deadly cancers: lung, colorectal, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. This impactful report will be presented at CCRAN’s 2025 pan-tumour Biomarkers Conference, which is being held virtually on June 19 – 20, 2025.
CCRAN invites all stakeholders to participate in the Biomarkers Conference, a free-to-register event that will bring together clinical and laboratory experts, policymakers, researchers, and patient advocates to discuss advancements in precision medicine and the importance of equitable and timely access to CGP for metastatic cancer care across tumour types. As discussions unfold, one fundamental principle remains clear: “Metastatic cancer patients deserve to benefit from precision medicine. CGP provides critical insights that can change the trajectory of their disease,” says Filomena-Servidio Italiano, President & CEO of CCRAN.
Broader access to CGP may empower patients with targeted treatments that can give them the best possible chance at a longer, healthier life, while adding value to our already burdened healthcare system.
To learn more visit ccran.org.
