Leading Research from the Lab to the Clinic: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month at the GCI

In recognition of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) is highlighting the groundbreaking research of Dr. George Zogopoulos, a renowned investigator at the forefront of pancreatic cancer studies. Combining clinical and laboratory expertise, Dr. Zogopoulos has spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes and advancing understandings of this difficult-to-treat disease with poor survival rates.

Dr. Zogopoulos focuses on the intersection between clinical trials and lab-based research. He established the Quebec Pancreas Cancer Study (QPCS) biobanking project, serves as co-Chair of the Pancreatic Disease Oriented Group of the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG), and his research activities include both Quebec-based and pan-Canadian pancreatic cancer consortiums. This bench-to-bedside approach brings innovative, point-of-care research opportunities to patients and families including genetic testing for patients with pancreatic cancer and a surveillance program for individuals at high-risk for pancreatic cancer.

Recently, Prof. Zogopoulos secured major funding from the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centers Network to support a pan-Canadian project titled “Marathon of HopE Genome Sequencing to Inform Novel Treatments Portfolio Trial (MAESTRO)”. This clinical study aims to use next-generation sequencing to match pancreatic cancer patients with personalized therapies. By accelerating the implementation of precision medicine, this trial promises hope for individuals battling this deadly disease.

Innovations in pancreatic cancer research from the Zogopoulos laboratory were featured in the 2024 documentary series ‘La vie continue’ from Savoir média. Zogopoulos lab alumna Yifan Wang spoke to the science behind the challenges in screening and detecting pancreatic cancer. The documentary can be viewed here.

Through his collaborative projects and innovative research, Dr. Zogopoulos is bringing the transformative potential of precision medicine for pancreatic cancer from his research lab to patients in the clinic. His research team is pursuing cutting-edge approaches to understand the challenges in diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer, with the ultimate goal of delivering more effective treatments for this often-fatal disease.