Osler leads the way as first in Canada to offer life-changing precision cancer care technology

Revolutionary liquid biopsy cancer diagnosis and treatment now available at Osler

William Osler Health System (Osler) is the first Canadian hospital to offer in-house liquid biopsy testing for cancer care. This practice-changing technology offers considerable advantages for patients from initial diagnosis to individual cancer treatment.

To tailor cancer treatment for each patient, physicians need to perform genetic tests on DNA retrieved from the tumor – known as a tissue biopsy. A liquid biopsy can achieve similar results using only a blood sample, while being a less invasive experience for the patient.

Osler’s Division of Advanced Diagnostics previously established an unrivaled turnaround time for cancer-related genetic testing. The division, led by Osler pathologist, Dr. Brandon Sheffield, has now captured another world-best for liquid biopsy turnaround time, with critical results available in as little as one day.

“This technology is revolutionizing cancer care,” said Dr. Brandon Sheffield, Medical Director of Advanced Diagnostics, William Osler Health System. “Our work demonstrates that rapid, point-of-care liquid biopsy can be integrated with tissue-based next-generation sequencing, allowing for precise, personalized cancer care right here in our community. We’ve seen first-hand how this has positively impacted patient experience in an often-challenging time and led to better outcomes, providing quick results for important treatment decisions.”

The new technology is highlighted by the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation in a study titled Point of Care Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Treatment – Early Experience from a Community Center, recently published in the journal of oncology – Cancers. The three-year study has shown that patients with a variety of cancer types have benefited from this technique. Liquid biopsy is now being used for patients in select circumstances at Osler and this work will help pave the way for more widespread use of the technology.

“Using liquid biopsy to diagnose cancers within days reflects Osler’s commitment to advancing oncology care in the local community while contributing to research efforts on a global scale,” states Dr. Parneet Cheema, Medical Director of Cancer Care and Head of Cancer Research, William Osler Health System. “Osler is proud to pioneer this technology in Canada - this milestone demonstrates our dedication to delivering innovative, compassionate care with the patient at the centre of everything we do.”

With cancer cases projected to double in Osler's communities by 2038 and a 9% increase in new oncology consultations over the past year, Osler's oncology team and cancer care expansion are crucial. To meet this growing demand, Osler is planning a comprehensive cancer care centre at Brampton Civic Hospital, bringing new and expanded services, including radiation therapy, closer to home.