Characterising the molecular changes that underpin the progression and pathogenesis of cancer.

Our Focus

Through the use of cutting edge technologies, Molecular Oncology (MO) aims to identify genes involved in the development of cancer, quickly and accurately.

MO's researchers combine diverse techniques, ranging from genomics, computational biology, tumour imaging, in vitro and in vivo functional models, to study biological and clinical phenotypes. The proteins produced by these genes may serve as targets for novel chemotherapy drugs and other cancer treatments, or imaging scans. MO uses these combined techniques to validate the role of the novel candidate genes in the development of cancer; with an eye towards translating findings into improved treatment options for cancer patients around the world.

News & Events

Studying six childhood sarcomas to improve survival and life after treatment

With renewed support from a $5.5-million Terry Fox New Frontiers Program Project Grant, leading researchers from BC Cancer and the University of British Columbia (UBC) are determined to change how we understand and treat sarcomas – rare and aggressive bone and soft tissue cancers that disproportionately affect young people.

Canadian and US cancer researchers form special super team to improve treatments and outcomes for patients with osteosarcoma, the rare bone cancer that Terry Fox had

In a national first, a team of top Canadian cancer researchers, including BC Cancer distinguished scientist Dr. Poul Sorensen, is joining forces with world-class US scientists at leading cancer institutes south of the border to tackle together the challenges of osteosarcoma (bone cancer), or what is sometimes called the Terry Fox cancer.

Dr. Poul Sorensen honoured with Dr. Chew Wei Memorial Prize in Cancer Research

The 2025 Dr. Chew Wei Memorial Prize in Cancer Research was awarded to Dr. Poul Sorensen for his revolutionary contributions to pediatric cancer diagnostics and care. The award is a UBC Faculty of Medicine National Research Prize, which celebrates individuals who exemplify excellence in scientific research and ongoing impact in their respective fields.

Research Labs

Recent Publications

Molecularly Defined Adult Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Ovary: The Clinical Phenotype.

Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2016
McConechy, Melissa K, Färkkilä, Anniina, Horlings, Hugo M, Talhouk, Aline, Unkila-Kallio, Leila, van Meurs, Hannah S, Yang, Winnie, Rozenberg, Nirit, Andersson, Noora, Zaby, Katharina, Bryk, Saara, Bützow, Ralf, Halfwerk, Johannes B G, Hooijer, Gerrit K J, van de Vijver, Marc J, Buist, Marrije R, Kenter, Gemma G, Brucker, Sara Y, Krämer, Bernhard, Staebler, Annette, Bleeker, Maaike C G, Heikinheimo, Markku, Kommoss, Stefan, Blake Gilks, C, Anttonen, Mikko, Huntsman, David G
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Recurrent somatic DICER1 mutations in nonepithelial ovarian cancers.

The New England journal of medicine, 2012
Heravi-Moussavi, Alireza, Anglesio, Michael S, Cheng, S-W Grace, Senz, Janine, Yang, Winnie, Prentice, Leah, Fejes, Anthony P, Chow, Christine, Tone, Alicia, Kalloger, Steve E, Hamel, Nancy, Roth, Andrew, Ha, Gavin, Wan, Adrian N C, Maines-Bandiera, Sarah, Salamanca, Clara, Pasini, Barbara, Clarke, Blaise A, Lee, Anna F, Lee, Cheng-Han, Zhao, Chengquan, Young, Robert H, Aparicio, Samuel A, Sorensen, Poul H B, Woo, Michelle M M, Boyd, Niki, Jones, Steven J M, Hirst, Martin, Marra, Marco A, Gilks, Blake, Shah, Sohrab P, Foulkes, William D, Morin, Gregg B, Huntsman, David G
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ARID1A mutations in endometriosis-associated ovarian carcinomas.

The New England journal of medicine, 2010
Wiegand, Kimberly C, Shah, Sohrab P, Al-Agha, Osama M, Zhao, Yongjun, Tse, Kane, Zeng, Thomas, Senz, Janine, McConechy, Melissa K, Anglesio, Michael S, Kalloger, Steve E, Yang, Winnie, Heravi-Moussavi, Alireza, Giuliany, Ryan, Chow, Christine, Fee, John, Zayed, Abdalnasser, Prentice, Leah, Melnyk, Nataliya, Turashvili, Gulisa, Delaney, Allen D, Madore, Jason, Yip, Stephen, McPherson, Andrew W, Ha, Gavin, Bell, Lynda, Fereday, Sian, Tam, Angela, Galletta, Laura, Tonin, Patricia N, Provencher, Diane, Miller, Dianne, Jones, Steven J M, Moore, Richard A, Morin, Gregg B, Oloumi, Arusha, Boyd, Niki, Aparicio, Samuel A, Shih, Ie-Ming, Mes-Masson, Anne-Marie, Bowtell, David D, Hirst, Martin, Gilks, Blake, Marra, Marco A, Huntsman, David G
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