News | Genome Sciences Centre

B.C. scientists to begin genetic sequencing on Canadians with COVID-19

As part of a federal funding announcement earlier today, Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) at BC Cancer will be one of four Canadian institutions on the forefront of using genome science to understand how different people respond to COVID-19 infection.

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DNA sequencing reveals the scars of cancer treatment

A comprehensive analysis of 570 advanced cancer patients has revealed the genetic changes that occur following chemotherapy, providing scientists and clinicians with valuable insight into advanced cancers and drug resistance.

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Scientists reveal key insights into drug resistance in patients with del(5q) myelodysplastic syndrome

For myelodysplastic syndrome patients harbouring a particular genetic variant, lenalidomide is the drug of choice. But for about half of these patients, resistance will develop within two years, rendering the drug ineffective. By using DNA sequencing, scientists have now revealed key insights into drug resistance, uncovering a potential strategy for the early identification of patients who may not benefit from lenalidomide treatment.

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From fighting marine contaminants to fishing for cancer treatments from marine sponges: how a GSC biochemist made a drug discovery breakthrough

Dr. Marianne Sadar is not one to back down from a challenge. So even when told it wasn’t possible, she did something no one else dared to try.

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The GSC’s response to COVID-19

We all have a responsibility to take precautionary measures in order to help stop the global transmission of COVID-19. The GSC is helping our employees to find ways to attend work safely, including working remotely. We are also moving in-person gatherings to virtual interactions, and all tours of our facilities have been cancelled until further notice. For now, we will continue to accept and sequence samples and maintain all functionality including database and analytical capacities, prioritizing clinical and Personalized OncoGenomics pipelines.

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International Women's Day

March 8 was International Women’s Day—a day to celebrate the impact that women and girls have had in the advancement of society, politics, economics and human knowledge. In honour of this day, meet some of the women working here at the GSC.

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Finding DNA evidence of bacterial contamination in cancer therapies

Researchers have developed a rapid and highly sensitive method for ensuring cell-based cancer therapies are contaminant-free.

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Genome sequencing helps prioritize cancer treatment options

5-Fluorouracil, commonly known as 5-FU, is a drug used for the treatment of multiple cancer types. For some patients, 5-FU can lead to toxicity. But by using the power of whole genome sequencing, scientists have shown that for other patients, 5-FU may be a potent double-edged sword for the treatment of cancer.

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A new DNA-based method for tracking samples through the lab

Researchers at Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre have developed an elegant method for tracking tissue samples through complex laboratory processes using unique DNA identifiers.

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