ICCI Hosts 17th Annual Cancer Research Symposium at Ontario Veterinary College
The Institute for Comparative Cancer Investigation (ICCI) hosted its 17th Annual Cancer Research Symposium at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) on June 5, 2025, bringing together a diverse group of researchers, clinicians, students and advocates. The event celebrated basic and translational cancer research across human and veterinary medicine and featured keynote speakers, presentations and discussions focused on advancing cancer diagnostics and therapies.
Understanding the Tumour Microenvironment
Dr. Jim Petrik, Co-Director of the Bench to Bedside Institute for Translational Health Research and Innovation, opened with a keynote exploring the tumour microenvironment. Drawing an analogy to a chaotic and dysfunctional neighborhood, Petrik emphasized how tumor vasculature, immune cell presence, and interstitial fluid pressure shape therapy responses. He discussed Fc3TSR—a vascular remodeling agent—and how its synergy with metronomic chemotherapy can potentially normalize vasculature, reduce hypoxia and improve drug delivery and immune infiltration.
Targeting Cancer Cells
Three student presentations followed, moderated by Dr. Alicia Viloria-Petit:
Nikolina Vrdoljak shared research focused on a protein called PKM2, which is more active in leukemia cells. By turning this protein on or off, her study explored ways to stop cancer cells from growing while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Jared Fischbach developed a more realistic lab model to study why some bone cancer cells in dogs become resistant to chemotherapy. His findings suggest that cancer cells from untreated dogs are more likely to adapt to new treatments, helping researchers better understand and overcome drug resistance.
Liljana Skakavac studied a promising cancer therapy called Fc3TSR in ovarian cancer. She showed how this treatment might both disrupt cancer cell metabolism and help trigger cancer cell death, making it a powerful two-in-one approach impacting both CD36 signaling and fatty acid metabolism. The results support Fc3TSR’s dual role in apoptosis induction and metabolic disruption in cancer.
Cancer and the Immune System
In the session moderated by ICCI co-director Dr. Geoff Wood, Katrina Kobal discussed NINJ1’s protein function in pyroptosis and anticancer immunity. Her work investigates how the presence or absence of NINJ1 affects cell death signaling, dendritic cell activation and immune cell recruitment, potentially influencing biotherapeutic development.
Featured Update: OVC Biobank
Deirdre Stuart, the Coordinator of Canada’s first veterinary biobank located at OVC, spoke about the growing collection, now housing over 32,000 samples from 2,000+ cases. Funded by OVC Pet Trust, the biobank is a vital resource for translational research and precision medicine.
Poster Presentations and Awards
During the lunch break, attendees explored a poster session featuring research from undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral fellows across a wide range of cancer biology topics. Posters were displayed throughout the OVC cafeteria, with both in-person and online presentations accessible. Judges made their way around the room, assessing each project for scientific rigor and presentation quality, with the day wrapping up in an awards ceremony to recognize the standout entries. Congratulations to our top poster award winners: Nikolina Vrdoljak, Jared Fischbach, Daxime Génier, and Danny Carreira! Photos of the award recipients can be viewed below.
Patient Advocacy in Research: MIB Agents
In an emotional and impactful talk, Christina Ip-Toma, Director of Scientific Programs for MIB Agents, a nonprofit organization that supports families affected by osteosarcoma through education and advocacy, shared the organization’s mission to improve outcomes for children with osteosarcoma. Inspired by her late son Dylan, Christina highlighted MIB’s multifaceted approach: patient education, peer support, podcasts, and nearly $2 million in research funding through their Outsmarting Osteosarcoma initiative.
Extracellular Vesicles and Cancer
The afternoon resumed with a session on extracellular vesicles (EVs), moderated by Viloria-Petit:
Viloria-Petit kicked off the session with an introduction to EVs—tiny particles released by cells that carry important information. These particles can be found in bodily fluids and may one day help doctors diagnose cancer through simple blood tests.
Lian Miller compared different methods for collecting EVs from cancer cells. She found that using salt water (NaCl) is a low-cost and effective way to keep these particles intact for further testing.
Kara Cook explored how growing cancer cells in different lab setups—flat (2D) versus more life-like (3D) environments—affects the EVs they produce. Her work shows that 3D models may better reflect real tumors and lead to more useful research results. 2D vs. 3D cell culture models in EV production. Her findings indicate 3D platforms may better mimic tumor conditions and yield more consistent, physiologically relevant EVs.
Keynote Speaker: From the Laboratory to the Labrador
Dr. Doug Thamm, professor and oncologist of Colorado State University, delivered the Arthur Willis Distinguished Lecture, focusing on canine lymphoma clinical trials at the CSU Flint Animal Cancer Center. Thamm discussed treatment challenges in veterinary oncology and highlighted promising results from the APPL regimen (including procarbazine and lomustine), which shows improved tolerance and efficacy compared to corticosteroids alone.
The day concluded with awards and closing remarks. The symposium not only showcased scientific advancements but also emphasized collaboration and compassion in cancer research across species. Thank you to everyone who attended, presented and helped make the event a success.
