Terry Fox Foundation secures $25 million gift to expand precision-cancer network

During a Toronto event, the Terry Fox Foundation revealed its largest single donation ever: $25 million from Larry and Judy Tanenbaum, matched by the federal government to total $50 million for phase two of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network. The network, described as a tribute to Terry Fox, unites over 1,300 scientists at 57 cancer centres nationwide to apply genomic sequencing to personalize treatment. Phase one, launched in 2019, focused on analyzing tissue samples from biobanks, while the new phase will use real-time genomic data from current patients to develop targeted therapies.

Researchers noted that precision medicine is already changing the outlook for diseases like lung cancer and melanoma, offering more specific treatment options based on genetic subtypes. The initiative is supported by both public and private funding, reflecting broad commitment to advancing cancer care in Canada.