Ottawa commits $80 million to precision-oncology research

The federal government is committing $80 million over four years to the Terry Fox Research Institute for the next phase of its national precision-oncology research network.

Health Canada says the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network has built a repository containing tumour genome sequences from more than 16,000 patients. The next phase is expected to add 11,000 cases, strengthen systems for generating and returning genomic results, and bring additional cancer institutions into the network, including institutions in the territories.

The institute and participating institutions will match the federal contribution, which Health Canada says will bring total funding connected with this phase to $160 million.

Precision oncology uses genetic and biological information about cancer cells to inform treatment research and care. The announcement concerns research infrastructure and collaboration; it does not change an individual patient’s treatment plan or guarantee access to a specific test.

Source: Health Canada, precision-oncology investment announcement, September 24, 2026.

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