Meet the Team Canada of Cancer Research: A Q&A with Dr. Catalina Lopez-Correa

Dr. Catalina Lopez-Correa has been championing the use of genomics as a transformative tool in healthcare for over two decades.

In this Q&A, she reflects on her career as a genomics scientist, a trained physician and an administrator, and shares insights into how genomics is revolutionizing cancer research. She also opens up about her own cancer diagnosis and how it has deepened her commitment to ensuring equitable access to these life-changing technologies.

As she steps into her new role as co-chair of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network’s Patient Working Group, we had the privilege of connecting with Dr. Lopez-Correa to learn more about her unique perspective at the intersection of scientific leadership and personal experience.

We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

MOHCCN: You’ve been supporting the use of genomics as a transformational tool to improve outcomes for patients with diverse diseases for many years. Was there a particular moment or experience that sparked your interest in this field? What promise do you see in the use of genomics for healthcare?

Dr. Lopez-Correa: As a genomics scientist trained as an MD, I have always been fascinated by the transformative potential of genomics across the entire healthcare continuum—from prevention to diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. Since childhood, curiosity has been a driving force, and it’s that same curiosity that led me to explore the complexities of the human body, DNA, and our genomes. In my 25 years working in genomics, the sequencing of the human genome was a pivotal moment when the potential for impacting healthcare became undeniable. The realization of that impact, however, has taken longer than expected. Yet today, we are witnessing concrete, transformative advances where genomics is playing a vital role in helping doctors refine diagnoses, personalize treatments, and develop preventative strategies, in particular in areas like cancer and rare diseases. Our current challenge is ensuring these remarkable advances in genomics are accessible to everyone, regardless of education, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or geographical location.

In addition to your role as the Chief Scientific Officer at Genome Canada, you have recently received your own cancer diagnosis. How has this diagnosis shaped your understanding of where we are – and what we need to do – to more meaningfully incorporate genomics in cancer care?

As Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at Genome Canada, and previously at Genome British Columbia and Genome Quebec, I have supported genomic initiatives and cancer research projects for many years. I’ve witnessed remarkable advancements in precision oncology and seen the critical roles that academia, government, and the private sector have played in expanding the use and impact of genomics. As part of my role, I have frequently spoken at conferences, sharing the transformative power of genomics and its now concrete, measurable impact on healthcare. However, this trajectory was abruptly interrupted in April 2023 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My diagnosis gave me a profoundly different perspective on genomics, genetic testing, and the true power of these technologies. On one hand, I benefited from several genomics tests that helped refine my diagnosis and guide treatment decisions—such as the Oncotype Dx test, performed on my breast tumour tissue, which informed the decision to pursue chemotherapy, and a hereditary cancer panel that confirmed I do not carry inherited cancer susceptibility genes. On the other hand,

I faced many challenges in navigating the healthcare system to access and secure coverage for some of these genomics tests. This experience has deepened my understanding of the barriers to accessing new technologies and the inequities within our healthcare system. My journey has opened my eyes not only to the power of genomics but also to the critical need to ensure equitable and global access to these life-changing technologies.

As someone who has a deep understanding of the current research landscape in genomic sciences and is also on their own cancer journey, what role do you think patients should play in cancer research?

Patients should be at the heart of the genomics research landscape, especially in the field of cancer genomics. Their lived experiences, from undergoing genetic testing to grappling with both the promises and limitations of these technologies, provide invaluable insights. These perspectives are not just useful—they are critical to shaping every precision oncology initiative and informing every effort within cancer genomics. Unfortunately, both in Canada and internationally, many research ecosystems have yet to fully embrace the importance of patient involvement. Too often, we fail to give patients a platform to share their experiences and do not consistently place their perspectives at the center of research priorities and decision-making processes.

As CSO, I have long advocated for integrating patient voices into cancer research initiatives. Yet, my own experience as a patient has driven home just how essential this approach is. It’s no longer just a “nice to have” for research to involve patients—it’s an absolute necessity. Patients are more than participants; they are stakeholders whose insights can steer the direction of research in meaningful ways, ensuring that it aligns with real-world needs and challenges.

By not involving patients at the outset, we risk missing vital perspectives on the accessibility, feasibility, and emotional impact of genomics-based solutions. For me, this has become not just a professional mission but a personal one. We must actively involve patients in shaping the future of cancer genomics, making sure that their voices are heard, respected, and embedded in the research process from start to finish. Only then can we ensure that genomics delivers truly patient-centered solutions, addressing not just scientific questions but the human realities behind them.

You are joining the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network as a co-chair of the Patient Working Group. Why did you decide to join this group?

I am incredibly excited to join the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network as co-chair of the Patient Working Group, where I’ll have the privilege of working alongside two remarkable breast cancer patients in coordinating this initiative. For me, this is a unique and deeply meaningful opportunity to bring together both my genomics expertise and my personal experience as a patient to contribute to a truly groundbreaking pan-Canadian effort. The driving force behind my decision to join this initiative has been the outstanding work the Marathon of Hope is doing to include and truly embrace the patient perspective. I have rarely seen this level of active patient involvement in any other initiative across Canada, and it is truly inspiring.

For me, this role has a dual purpose. First, as a patient, I can offer insights into the real-world challenges and opportunities around genomic testing for breast cancer patients, helping to ensure that our voices are heard and considered in shaping future innovations. Second, as Chief Scientific Officer, I see this as a vital learning opportunity. The work being done by the Marathon of Hope to integrate patients into the research and decision-making process is exemplary, and I hope to take those lessons back to Genome Canada. By observing and participating in this patient-centered approach, I aim to explore how we can incorporate similar strategies into the funding initiatives and projects we coordinate, ensuring that patients’ voices are at the core of the programs we support.

This is not just a professional opportunity but a personal mission. My hope is that through this collaboration, we can help pave the way for a more inclusive, patient-driven model of genomics research—one that ensures the needs, perspectives, and experiences of patients are integral to every decision and initiative in cancer genomics.

Just like Terry Fox united Canadians nearly 45 years ago, the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network is uniting researchers, clinicians, patients and administrators from cancer treatment and research institutions across Canada to accelerate precision medicine. How important is this collaboration and what impact do you think it could have on cancer research and treatment?

Cancer research, by its very nature, must be multidisciplinary. I commend the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network for successfully bringing together researchers, clinicians, patients, and administrators from across Canada to accelerate the adoption and implementation of precision medicine and precision oncology. It is only by integrating these diverse perspectives that we can ensure the development of truly patient-centric initiatives—ones that go beyond improving survival statistics and genuinely enhance patients' quality of life.

Collaboration between different fields and expertise is essential to ensuring that the innovations we develop are not just theoretical advancements but practical solutions with real, measurable impacts on patients' lives. By working together, we can ensure that new products, tests, and research outcomes are directly applicable and relevant to the needs of cancer patients. This multidisciplinary approach helps refine diagnosis, personalize treatment, and ultimately improve prognosis for cancer patients across Canada.

Furthermore, it's crucial that these efforts are inclusive and equitable. No one should be left behind, regardless of where they live, their race or ethnicity, their socioeconomic status, or background. The Marathon of Hope's commitment to fostering this level of collaboration and inclusion is key to ensuring that the benefits of precision oncology are accessible to all Canadians.

Bringing new hope to cancer patients is part of Terry Fox’s legacy and something that the Network is trying to do through precision medicine. What makes you hopeful for the future when it comes to genomics and cancer research and care?

I am incredibly hopeful about the future of genomics and cancer research. Over the course of my career, I have witnessed remarkable progress in both the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, as well as many other forms of cancer. The dramatic reduction in the cost of sequencing, combined with breakthroughs in omic technologies—including proteomics, transcriptomics, and single-cell genomics, among others—are driving unprecedented advancements in the field. These innovations are opening doors we could only dream of a few decades ago, allowing us to understand cancer at a much deeper, molecular level and paving the way for better and more precise diagnostic tools and more personalized, targeted treatments.

I am especially proud to be part of the community working to further Terry Fox’s legacy, bringing new hope to cancer patients across Canada. The advancements in genomics provide us with a powerful tool to honor that legacy—by continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in cancer care. Genomics has the potential not only to revolutionize the way we approach cancer, but also to offer a new sense of hope for patients and their families.

What does Terry Fox mean to you? How does Terry inspire you?

Since I arrived in Canada in 2008, Terry Fox has been a powerful source of inspiration for me. He represents values I hold dear—dedication, focus, perseverance, and, most importantly, the courage to dream big, even in the face of overwhelming physical challenges. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his passion for science and inclusivity have deeply influenced me. Terry’s legacy serves as a constant reminder of what can be achieved through determination and vision, inspiring me both personally and professionally to push boundaries and strive for meaningful impact.