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Osler Leads the Way as First in Canada to Offer Life-Changing Precision Cancer  Care Technology 

Revolutionary Liquid Biopsy Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment now available at Osler 

July 25, 2024, BRAMPTON/ETOBICOKE – William Osler Health System (Osler) is the first Canadian hospital  to offer in-house liquid biopsy testing for cancer care. This practice-changing technology offers considerable  advantages for patients from initial diagnosis to individual cancer treatment.  

To tailor cancer treatment for each patient, physicians need to perform genetic tests on DNA retrieved  from the tumor – known as a tissue biopsy. A liquid biopsy can achieve similar results using only a blood  sample, while being a less invasive experience for the patient. 

Osler’s Division of Advanced Diagnostics previously established an unrivaled turnaround time for cancer related genetic testing. The division, led by Osler pathologist, Dr. Brandon Sheffield, has now captured  another world-best for liquid biopsy turnaround time, with critical results available in as little as one day. 

“This technology is revolutionizing cancer care,” said Dr. Brandon Sheffield, Medical Director of Advanced  Diagnostics, William Osler Health System. “Our work demonstrates that rapid, point-of-care liquid biopsy  can be integrated with tissue-based Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), allowing for precise, personalized  cancer care right here in our community. We’ve seen first-hand how this has positively impacted patient 

experience in an often-challenging time and led to better outcomes, providing quick results for important  treatment decisions.” 

The new technology is highlighted by the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation (ORIHI) in a study titled Point of Care Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Treatment – Early Experience from a Community Center, recently  published in the journal of oncology – Cancers. The three-year study has shown that patients with a variety  of cancer types have benefited from this technique. Liquid biopsy is now being used for patients in select  circumstances at Osler and this work will help pave the way for more widespread use of the technology. 

“Using liquid biopsy to diagnose cancers within days reflects Osler’s commitment to advancing oncology  care in the local community while contributing to research efforts on a global scale,” states Dr. Parneet  Cheema, Medical Director of Cancer Care and Head of Cancer Research, William Osler Health System. 

“Osler is proud to pioneer this technology in Canada – this milestone demonstrates our dedication to  delivering innovative, compassionate care with the patient at the centre of everything we do.”  

With cancer cases projected to double in Osler’s communities by 2038 and a 9% increase in new oncology  consultations over the past year, Osler’s oncology team and cancer care expansion are crucial. To meet this  growing demand, Osler is planning a comprehensive cancer care centre at Brampton Civic Hospital, bringing  new and expanded services, including radiation therapy, closer to home. 

Study available at: Point of Care Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Treatment—Early Experience from a  Community Center

ABOUT WILLIAM OSLER HEALTH SYSTEM and FOUNDATION: William Osler Health System (Osler) is a leading  hospital system serving more than 1.3 million people in Brampton, North Etobicoke, Caledon and surrounding communities – one  of the most culturally diverse, fastest growing areas in Ontario. Accredited with Exemplary Standing, Accreditation Canada’s  highest rating for a Canadian hospital, Osler includes Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital, Peel Memorial Centre  for Integrated Health and Wellness (Peel Memorial), a Reactivation Care Unit and a Withdrawal Management Centre. Building on  a legacy of clinical excellence and innovation and home to the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation, Osler is planning for  the future with transformative developments, including the new Peel Memorial Hospital and as the primary clinical partner for  Toronto Metropolitan University’s new School of Medicine in Brampton. William Osler Health System Foundation seeks to create  a healthier community through giving by inspiring its communities to invest in exceptional health care close to home. Learn more  about how Osler is going beyond to deliver exemplary people-centred care at www.williamoslerhs.ca.

For more information:

Jim Schembri

Public Relations Specialist
William Osler Health System
jim.schembri@williamoslerhs.ca

Dr. Brandon Sheffield, Medical Director
of Advanced Diagnostics, William Osler Health
System

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