Degrees Offered / Length of Program

• M.Sc.(specialising in Cancer Research): 24 months full time
• Ph.D.(specialising in Cancer Research): 36 months full time

Method of Completion

A thesis project in an area of Cancer Research.

One or more designated Cancer Research courses.

Participate in the Cancer Research Seminar Series

Supervisors and Research Areas

 

Areas of cancer research interest span multiple Departments. Students are encouraged to contact potential supervisors within their specific area of interest to discuss enrolment in the collaborative program. Research areas include:

Molecular Epidemiology-focuses on the contribution of potential genetic and environmental risk factors, identified at the molecular and biochemical level, to the etiology, distribution, and prevention of disease. This approach advances understanding of cancer etiology by incorporating laboratory methods to document the molecular dose, and preclinical effects of carcinogens, as well as factors that increase individual susceptibility to carcinogens. Trainees will conduct research developing or employing biomarkers of genetic susceptibility, carcinogenic exposure and mechanisms, and intermediate endpoints.

Cancer Genetics, Gene Regulation and Molecular Diagnostics -focuses on the genetic implications of cancer diagnosis, prevention and treatment, and on the implementation of novel genetic and molecular strategies for improving these processes. Training addresses the application of post-genomic/proteomic era technologies and research methodology in such areas as transcriptional regulation, genotype/phenotype based prediction of disease course, genetic association studies and biomarker development. Areas of relevant research will include: gene regulation, pharmacogenomic application of genetic tools to diagnosis, drug design, treatment and prediction of outcomes; psychosocial impact of population screening; and long term implications of presymptomatic genetic testing.

Drug Development & Experimental Therapeutics- focuses on the development and characterization of novel drugs and therapeutic modalities through to initial application of new drugs in cancer patients. Relevant topic areas include small molecule design and evaluation, development and validation of cell-based and preclinical models, preclinical drug testing, design and interpretation of phase I and II trials, with an emphasis on regulatory, and ethical requirements.

Cellular Regulation and Signal Transduction in Cancer Cells-involves three focused topic areas in cancer biology: tumor progression and metastasis, drug resistance and metabolism, and regulation of cell growth, proliferation and differentiation. Specific interests include cytoplasmic and nuclear signalling cascades, gene expression and function in malignant cells, stromal-tumor interactions, and metastasis. Training takes advantage of state-of-the-art approaches including genomic and proteomic resources, structure/function analysis, microarray-based gene expression profiling, and transgenic and xenograft animal models.

Cancer Care & Service Delivery- focuses on integrating clinical and health services research with a view to optimizing patient outcomes. Training in this area addresses a number of themes including: access to timely diagnosis and treatment, improving doctor-patient communication, making appropriate treatment decisions, correct treatment delivery, and adequate follow up care and patient preferences and education. Training includes clinical epidemiologic, psychology, health services, and health policy research methods, depending on the specific research project.

Outcomes Research and Health Policy Development- focuses on the measurement, evaluation, and improvement of patient outcomes in delivery of all types of cancer care, across the cancer care continuum. Training opportunities in this area provide quantitative information on the development and implementation of medical management policies, investigate geographic variations in the management and outcome of cancer and explore the structure of the cancer system and its influence on the effectiveness and efficiency of treatment programs. Thesis research in particular in the areas of cancer morbidity and mortality outcomes, in the evaluation of patient symptoms and quality of life, patient experience of and satisfaction with health care, and the social consequences of cancer care will be available.

Drug Metabolism and Disposition-focuses on drug metabolism, gene expression, availability and regulation of drug metabolizing enzymes. Research projects employ in vitro and in vivo systems to explore the metabolism and disposition of endogenous and exogenous compounds, including pharmacologic agents and environmental chemicals.

Molecular Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis-focuses on molecular aspects of the mechanisms involved in chemical, physical, and viral (biological) carcinogenesis. Training opportunities in this area include studies of genetic and epigenetic pathways regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and death, carcinogenesis studies in transgenic mice and research on tumor viruses. The effects of environmental and endogenous factors, such as reactive species on tumour growth and DNA damage and the implications of these events with respect to oncogene activation, DNA amplification, gene transposition, and chromosome translocations are research foci.  

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the Collaborative Program in Cancer Research can expect to find a wealth of employment opportunities in the area of cancer research, or related fields including basic or applied research or other employment in academic centres, industry or health research institutions, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, private industry and many other career paths.

Funding Information

All students in the collaborative program will be considered for funding support in accordance with their respective home program's funding policy. Students are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships such as Ontario Graduate Scholarships, CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC studentships, or the ACCELERATE Ontario- Research Internship Program. Students involved in transdisciplinary cancer research projects may also be eligible to apply for funding through the The Terry Fox Foundation Training Program in Transdisciplinary Cancer Research in partnership with CIHR (http://qcri.queensu.ca/CIHR_Training_Program.html)   

 

Academic Prerequisites

Students must first be admitted to a graduate program in a participating department and must meet the specific requirements of that home program. Students are encouraged to contact potential supervisors within their area of interest in any of the departments to discuss enrolment in the collaborative program. Once students have identified supervisors, they will be registered in their home graduate program and department and may then apply for admission to the collaborative program.

Program Profiles

• Vikki Ho (Community Health Epidemiology) & Jessica Cockburn (Pathology & Molecular Medicine) - transdisciplinary training program
• Doug Richardson (Pathology & Molecular Medicine) - looked for a sign but it was anything but subtle...
• New collaborative program  involves researchers in over 10 cancer research areas