News
Carino Gurjao secures funding to advance research on metastatic colorectal cancer
Published on September 25, 2025
As part of a joint call for projects by Pfizer and Colorectal Cancer Canada, Carino Gurjao, Principal Investigator at IRIC’s Genomic and Integrative Medicine Research Unit, has been awarded nearly $100,000 for his project “A Nanopore Sequencing Approach for Real-time Precision Medicine.”
Molecular testing is essential for personalizing cancer treatments, but it remains too slow and unevenly accessible in Canada. Carino Gurjao’s laboratory proposes to analyze mutations and epigenetic markers directly from DNA in a single step, in order to diagnose metastatic colorectal cancer in a very short time. This approach reduces turnaround times to less than 24 hours, compared to several days or weeks with current methods. It could help make molecular diagnostics faster, more locally accessible, and more equitable across Canada.
Having recently set up his laboratory at IRIC, this grant will enable him to recruit a doctoral student to work alongside him and generate omics data using cutting-edge technologies.
“This is a unique opportunity for me to explore new approaches while aiming for a concrete and useful application for Canadians. It is particularly in line with my interest in translating research into patient care whenever possible. I am grateful for this initiative by Pfizer and Colorectal Cancer Canada, who are joining forces to make a difference in our society.” – Carino Gurjao
“Molecular profiling is essential for precision medicines that can extend the lives of patients with colorectal cancer. This unique approach will ensure more equitable and timely access to precision medicines, and we congratulate Carino Gurjao and his team on this important project!” – Barry D. Stein, President and CEO, Colorectal Cancer Canada
Congratulations to Carino Gurjao!
*Pfizer’s support for this call for proposals is in no way linked to the future promotion or potential development of a marketable product.
