Researcher profile: A Q&A with Dr. Dean Regier

Dr. Dean Regier is a senior scientist at the BC Cancer Research Institute, an associate professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC)'s School of Population and Public Health and was recently appointed director of the Academy of Translational Medicine in the Faculty of Medicine at UBC. 

Dr. Regier's research is patient-oriented and explores intersections between precision medicine, regulatory science and health economics. In other words, Dr. Regier and his team study what patients value when it comes to precision medicine and what their preferences are regarding aspects such as data sharing; the comparitive effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of precision medicine approaches and technologies; and how policy can support the responsible and equitable delivery of precision medicine. 

We spoke to Dr. Regier about his research, the importance of multidisciplinary collaborations made possible through the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network and the inspiration he and his family take from Terry Fox. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. 

Why did you become a cancer researcher? Was there a particular moment or experience that led to this decision? 

I'm deeply interested in how patients, families, and oncologists navigate difficult decisions about treatments, especially when outcomes are uncertain. A pivotal experience occurred during my research fellowship at SickKids, where I studied how oncologists, parents, and children viewed the risks and benefits of outpatient treatment for low-risk febrile neutropenia. Observing that oncologists tended to be more cautious compared to parents and especially children sparked my curiosity and cemented my decision to pursue cancer research. 

Cancer research is difficult: progress is slow and setbacks are common. What inspires you to keep going, and what life lessons have you learned? 

I find continuous inspiration in the potential to improve patients' lives and outcomes. Interacting directly with patients and families, hearing their stories and experiences, motivates me. Among the most important lessons I've learned is accepting failure as a critical step toward meaningful progress. Additionally, I’ve discovered that impactful breakthroughs typically arise from interdisciplinary collaboration, working with people from various backgrounds and perspectives. 

How would you explain your current research focus to a cancer patient or their family member? 

My research involves collaborating closely with patients, families, healthcare providers, and health systems to determine which personalized cancer treatments are safe, effective, cost-effective, and aligned with patient preferences and values. 

What impact do you hope your research will have on cancer treatment and patient outcomes? 

Ultimately, I aim to significantly shorten the time it takes for new, effective cancer treatments to reach patients. By bridging the gap between scientific discovery, health care systems, regulatory approval, and system funding for new technologies and drugs, I want my research to ensure that patients have quicker access to innovative therapies that can improve outcomes and quality of life. 

How important is the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network collaboration, and what impact could it have? 

This Network's collaboration is essential, as it enables researchers, clinicians, patients, and health systems from across Canada to overcome significant barriers in precision oncology. By pooling knowledge, resources, and data, we can rapidly advance precision medicine, transforming how cancer treatments are developed and delivered, ultimately benefiting patients nationwide. 

If someone asked why the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network matters, what would you tell them? 

I would explain that collaboration is the only effective way to accelerate precision medicine and deliver groundbreaking, personalized treatments to patients. Working together allows us to share critical knowledge and resources, speeding the path to better care and outcomes. 

What does Terry Fox mean to you, and how does he inspire you? 

Terry Fox represents the essence of determination, resilience, and hope, and he embodies what it means to be Canadian. His Marathon of Hope profoundly inspires me and my family, reminding us of the incredible power of perseverance and collective effort.  

Terry Fox symbolizes perseverance, hope, and national unity in Canada, having embarked on his Marathon of Hope—a remarkable cross-country run—to raise awareness and funding for cancer research. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Canadians, including my children, to support cancer research. He is crucial part of what it means to be Canadian. Terry's legacy motivates me to push forward in my own research, striving to honor his vision by making meaningful contributions to cancer treatment and research.