In this episode of the Believe in Progress podcast, we delve into the transformative potential of AACR Project GENIE. Our Chief Philanthropic Officer and host Mitch Stoller is joined by Shawn M. Sweeney, PhD, Senior Director of the AACR Project GENIE Coordinating Center, and Philippe L. Bedard, MD, Associate Professor at the University of Toronto and a leading oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. AACR Project GENIE is an innovative initiative driving the future of precision medicine in oncology. This AACR initiative featured a publicly accessible cancer registry of real-world clinico-genomic data assembled through data sharing between 19 leading international cancer centers.

Part 1: Understanding AACR Project GENIE

Shawn Sweeney: Explains AACR Project GENIE, its primary goals, and the key challenges it addresses in precision medicine and oncology.

Philippe Bedard: Discusses how AACR Project GENIE enhances the understanding and treatment of cancer from his perspective as a clinician and researcher.

Part 2: Contributions and Impact

Shawn Sweeney: Shares major milestones and achievements of AACR Project GENIE since its inception.

Philippe Bedard: Details how AACR Project GENIE's data has influenced clinical decision making and the design of clinical trials at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Both Guests: Provide examples of how AACR Project GENIE's real-world clinico-genomic data has accelerated drug discovery and improved patient outcomes.

Part 3: The Future of Precision Medicine and AACR Project GENIE

Shawn Sweeney: Outlines the next steps for AACR Project GENIE and envisions its role evolving over the next 5-10 years.

Philippe Bedard: Discusses the global impact of integrating AACR Project GENIE's data into cancer research and treatment.

Both Guests: Highlight the importance of collaboration and data sharing in advancing cancer research.

Guest Bios:

Shawn M. Sweeney, PhD: Senior Director of the AACR Project GENIE Coordinating Center. Dr. Sweeney has been with the project since its inception in 2015, leading efforts to leverage real-world data in oncology to drive precision medicine.

Philippe L. Bedard, MD: Associate Professor at the University of Toronto and a leading oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Dr. Bedard specializes in clinical and translational breast cancer research and is heavily involved in integrating genomic data into clinical practice.

Guest Links: AACR Project GENIE Overview: https://www.aacr.org/professionals/research/aacr-project-genie/

To our listeners and followers:

Your engagement and support propel the AACR's mission forward. Please consider subscribing to our podcast, sharing this episode, and visiting AACR.org to learn how you can contribute to lifesaving cancer research. Every action counts in our collective effort to make a difference.

Thank you for listening to the Believe in Progress podcast. Stories like those shared by Dr. Shawn M. Sweeney and Dr. Philippe L. Bedard remind us that progress isn't just about scientific advances; it's about the people and lives they touch.

Subscribe to our podcast for more episodes that celebrate the power of progress and the individuals who drive it.

Remember: Supporting cancer research is crucial—every donation helps. Visit AACR.org to learn more and AACR.org/Donate to contribute to lifesaving research today. Let's continue to work together towards a world free from cancer.

Cancer Research Saves Lives®

Check out more episodes of Believe in Progress at AACR.org/BelieveInProgress. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is produced by CollegeCast LLC.