The Division of Clinical Laboratory Genetics specializes in the use of leading-edge genetic technologies to aid in patient diagnosis, inform prognosis, and monitor disease for patient management. The two divisional labs, Genome Diagnostics and Cancer Cytogenetics, assess cases from many clinical programs and locations from across Ontario and Canada. The Divisional laboratories provide particular support to our University Health Network partner hospitals, including Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, with close links to the clinicians and clinical programs using the laboratory services.
The Divisional laboratories have unique expertise in genetic testing for cancer, including both acquired and inherited cancers. Together, the laboratories are the largest clinical cancer genetics testing service in Canada, with over 30,000 tests performed annually. The Division is at the forefront of advancements in personalized cancer medicine and, with advanced technologies, is able to clarify cancer diagnoses and allow physicians to target specific actionable mutations using targeted therapies.
The Division also works closely with the University Health Network/Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Advanced Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory (AMDL), which supports the validation and assessment of new technologies in collaboration with physicians and scientists to bring new genomic applications into clinical care.
Highlights of Tests and Consultations
- Solid Tumours: Numerous tests for solid tumours, including comprehensive gene panels using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
- Hematologic Malignancies: Testing for leukemias (single gene testing and NGS panels, FISH, karyotype), lymphomas, myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasms, and transplant monitoring
- Hereditary Cancers: Testing for more than 40 inherited cancer indications
Contacts
Laboratory Director
- Dr. Adam Smith, Cancer Cytogenetics
Divisional Clinical Scientists
- Dr. Jose-Mario Capo-Chichi
- Dr. Ian King
- Dr. Barbara Morash
- Dr. Peter Sabatini
- Dr. Shamini Selvarajah
- Dr. Cuihong Wei
Laboratory Genetic Counsellor
- Melanie Care, MSc, CCGC