Day 1: June 18, 2026 
Laying the Foundation for the Establishment of a National Strategy for CGP Readiness

9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Conference Day 1 Opening

CCRAN is a national, patient-focused advocacy group, dedicated to improving the longevity and quality of life for all cancer patients in Canada through their persistent efforts in support, education, and advocacy through equal and timely access to effective therapies. 

Our fourth annual pan-tumour Biomarkers Conference will build on the outcomes of past conferences. Over the course of two days, we will once again engage clinicians, pathologists, researchers, policy professionals, patients, and caregivers from within and outside Canada. Building on this foundation, the program will emphasize cross-sector dialogue to advance a more coordinated, pan-Canadian approach to comprehensive genomic profiling in metastatic cancer care. The discussions will explore how patient, clinical, and policy perspectives can be better aligned to support sustainable system-level progress.

9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Welcome from CCRAN’s President & CEO

A warm welcome and sincere thanks to all experts and participants. Key highlights in this session include: 
‍

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Key Learnings from CCRAN's 2025 Biomarkers Conference (Presentation)

The objectives and outcomes of CCRAN’s 2025 Biomarkers Conference have been captured and summarized in a publication in Current Oncology.

The lead author of the publication will present the key findings, themes and calls to action as highlighted in the paper.

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Economic and Health System Readiness: Leveraging Evidence to Support Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Integration Across Canada (Presentation)

To build a sustainable and equitable precision oncology framework, stakeholders require both a compelling economic case and a clear understanding of health system readiness for routine genome-based testing.

This presentation draws on two complementary bodies of work, the comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) cost and benefit analysis findings and the State of Readiness Progress Report II, which examines the conditions required to support the routine use of genomic testing across Canada.

Together, these perspectives will highlight jurisdictional progress, persistent system gaps, and the role of real-world evidence to inform coordinated decision-making. The session will support a broader national conversation on how economic evidence and readiness assessment can guide CGP planning and alignment across provinces and sectors.

This presentation will consider:
‍

11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Health Break‍

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

CDA's Framework for Equitable Biomarker Access: Key Recommendations and Future Directions (Presentation)

The Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA)–AMC Biomarker Assessment Framework represents a critical step toward improving equitable access to biomarker testing across Canada. This presentation will introduce the purpose and structure of the Framework, highlighting its potential to guide more consistent, evidence-informed decision-making and system-wide coordination. Attendees will hear from CDA about the Framework’s objectives, including short- and medium-term strategies to support implementation and collaboration across jurisdictions. The discussion will also highlight opportunities for shared infrastructure, coordinated data access, and policy levers to enable broader uptake.

Session objectives:
‍

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Stakeholder Reflections on CDA’s National Biomarker Testing Framework: A Cross-Sector Dialogue

Following the presentation of the CDA–AMC Biomarker Assessment Framework, this multi-stakeholder panel will examine its practical implications and translational potential across jurisdictions. Panelists from clinical, regulatory, policy, and patient advocacy sectors will share diverse perspectives on the Framework’s relevance, anticipated challenges, and opportunities for cross-sector alignment. The discussion will explore how a truly national approach to biomarker testing can be equitably implemented and sustainably scaled, with a focus on shared infrastructure, governance mechanisms, and meaningful integration of patient voice.

Key objectives to be explored:
‍

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Patient Voice Amplified: CGP Making a Difference in the Canadian Cancer Care Landscape Across Tumour Types (Patient Panel)

As Canada considers broader implementation of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) in metastatic cancer care, patients remain a critical source of real-world insight. This session brings forward the voices of patients across tumour types who have directly benefited from CGP. Patients discuss the impact CGP had on treatment decision-making and overall patient experience. They also share perspectives on access to CGP, including how availability, timing, and integration into care shaped treatment options, communication with care teams, and their experience of living with advanced cancer. As system-level planning advances, these perspectives underscore the importance of timely and equitable access, consistent integration, and clear communication across the diagnostic and treatment continuum.

Areas of focus:
‍

3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Health Break

3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Driving Access Through Partnership: The Role of Industry in Canada’s Precision Oncology Landscape (Industry Panel)

As Canada advances toward more coordinated and equitable access to comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP), industry partners play a pivotal role in helping address longstanding barriers related to infrastructure, education, turnaround times, and system capacity. This session will examine how strategic, transparent public private collaboration can strengthen CGP readiness across provinces while supporting a patient-centred, evidence informed approach to precision oncology.    

Through a national panel discussion, experts will explore opportunities to align industry innovation with oncology priorities, enhance cross sector coordination, and contribute to sustainable models of CGP access.  

This session will explore:
‍

4:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Glance at Day 2. Closing Remarks from CCRAN's President & CEO.