GPNMB(Salipro)

For more than 20 years, Novartis Canada has offered a dedicated platform to support emerging oncology research across the country, helping foster the development of future scientific leaders and innovative treatments. MONTREAL , May 26, 2026 /CNW/ - Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. (Novartis Canada) is pleased to unveil the recipients of the 2026 Novartis Oncology Young Canadian Investigator Awards (NOYCIA), celebrating emerging researchers whose work is helping redefine the future of cancer care in Canada. Now in its 23 rd year, NOYCIA continues to champion early-career investigators whose research is gaining international recognition. This year's awardees will be honored on May 31 st at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago. Each year, ten Canadian researchers selected for abstract presentations at ASCO are recognized for the scientific strength and real-world relevance of their work. Through NOYCIA, Novartis Canada provides funding and visibility to help accelerate promising ideas into meaningful impact for patients. "Advancing oncology research starts with supporting the people bold enough to challenge what is possible," said Sophia Kajla, Medical Affairs Head, Novartis Canada. "NOYCIA recognizes early-career researchers whose work is not only advancing science but bringing us closer to better outcomes for patients. We are proud to support their journey and the impact they are driving across Canada." Selected through an independent scientific review, this year's recipients reflect the breadth and depth of innovation underway in oncology today, from AI-enabled care to next-generation biomarkers and real-world evidence. 2026 NOYCIA recipients: Amal Aljuhani, University Health Network of Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Abstract : Cost-effectiveness of post-discharge home care for reducing potentially avoidable readmissions in stage IV cancer. Supervisor : Dr Michelle B Nadler Samuel Chan, Juravinski Cancer Centre of McMaster University Abstract : Effect of dual immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) by the time of infusion in advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): A secondary analysis of CCTG BR34 trial. Supervisor : Dr Ani Kartolo Nihar Desai, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Abstract : Frailty, comorbidity and discordance and non-relapse mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Supervisor : Dr Rajat Kumar Fernando Pikabea Diaz, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Abstract : Ultrasensitive tumor-informed ctDNA MRD detection identifies metastatic relapse and predicts recurrence-free survival following resection of early-stage NSCLC. Supervisor : Dr Natasha B. Leighl François Jobin Gervais, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Abstract : Serum VEGF-A concentrations as a predictive biomarker of immunotherapy response in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): An exploratory analysis of CCTG CO26. Supervisor : Dr Eric Xueyu Chen Malek Hannouf, University of Calgary Abstract : Cost-effective analysis of aspirin and structured exercise as adjuvant therapy in localised colorectal cancer. Supervisor : Dr Richard Lee Ying Anna-Maria Lazaratos, McGill University Abstract : Spatial immune profiling identifies GPNMB as a mediator of immune suppression that limits response to PD-1 blockade in TNBC. Supervisor : Dr Peter Siegel Chloe Lim, BC Cancer Agency Abstract : Conditional survival in advanced melanoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Supervisor : Dr Alison Weppler Syed Irteza Abbas Shamsi, University of Calgary Abstract : Healthcare resource use (HCRU) intensity prior to cancer diagnosis and real-world outcomes in early-stage cancers. Supervisor : Dr Winson Cheung Luxiga Thanabalachandran, Kingston Health Sciences and Queen's University Abstract : Prospective evaluation of AI-assisted documentation and summarisation in virtual and multidisciplinary cancer conference. Supervisor : Dr Yuchen Li "At Novartis Canada, we are honoured to support the next generation of Canadian oncology researchers dedicated to advancing patient care. We are committed to shaping a future where innovation reaches Canadians faster and more equitably," said Dimitri Gitas, Country President, Novartis Canada. Mentorship Matters Program NOYCIA's 2026 itinerary includes the Mentorship Matters Program which offers mentorship opportunities to trainees who attend the NOYCIA awards dinner. The program connects trainees attending the awards with leading oncology experts across Canada. Through small-group discussions, participants gain practical insight into career pathways, research environments and emerging opportunities, while mentors pass on experience and perspective to those following in their footsteps. About the Novartis Oncology Young Investigators Award (NOYCIA) With a mission to support Canadian oncology researchers, NOYCIA provides funding, support, and recognition to 10 researchers that demonstrate excellence in their specialist field of study. Eligible applicants include Post-Doctorate Students, Residents, Fellows, Graduate Students, Medical Students, PhD Candidates and Undergraduates who are affiliated with a Canadian institution and are the first author of an abstract accepted for the annual ASCO meeting. For more information about NOYCIA, please visit . About Novartis Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious diseases. Our medicines reach nearly 300 million people worldwide.  In Canada, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs approximately 500 people to serve the evolving needs of patients and the healthcare system and invests over $36 million in R&D yearly in the country.  Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at  and connect with us on  LinkedIn .  SOURCE Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.

Even after decades of research, glioblastoma remains one of the most aggressive and difficult to treat brain cancers. In a new JCI Insight study led by Peiwen Chen, PhD, Cleveland Clinic researchers describe how cancerous and healthy cells in the tumor microenvironment communicate to drive tumor progression. Cancer stem cells driving tumor growth in the glioblastoma-affected brain trick a subset of immune cells called tumor associated-macrophages into providing the tumor with the molecules it needs to survive. The research team also found blocking this molecular conversation with therapies could be the key to effectively targeting this deadly cancer. What is the tumor microenvironment? The tumor microenvironment describes all of the cancerous and healthy tissue, veins, cells and molecules inside of and surrounding a tumor. Unlike healthy areas of our body further away from the cancer cells, the tumor can influence or co-opt noncancerous areas in the tumor microenvironment. The tumor microenvironment’s reach depends on how far out the tumor cells can send signals to surrounding noncancerous cells. Capturing the conversation with cancer stem cells Think of all the cells in the tumor microenvironment (cancerous or otherwise) as having a “conversation” that triggers specific activities. “Cancers like glioblastoma are exceedingly hard to treat because the different cells in the tumor microenvironment constantly communicate to help the tumor resist therapy,” Dr. Chen says. “They do this by sending out molecules that trigger specific responses in nearby cells, especially immune cells. If we want to improve the survival and cure rates of glioblastoma, understanding and blocking these molecular signals is crucial.” The Chen Lab found that tumor-associated macrophages make and deliver a molecule called GPNMB to tumors in glioblastoma. Doing so feeds cancer stem cells, a small population of cells that can regenerate continuously and that can develop into other types of cancer cells the tumor needs to survive. The molecule helps cancer stem cells maintain key regenerative and metabolic abilities like self-renewal and glycolysis. Even if a treatment destroys 99% of cancer cells in a patient’s body, the tumor can still regenerate if enough stem cells survive. “There is a constant, dynamic conversation happening between glioblastoma stem cells and tumor-associated macrophages. In this case, the tumor doesn’t appear to produce GPNMB on its own, so to sustain its stem cell population, it needs to ask noncancerous cells to supply it,” says study first author Yang Liu, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the Chen Lab. “Glioblastoma stem cells seem to reprogram tumor-associated macrophages to produce GPNMB, though the exact molecular mechanism behind this reprogramming still needs further investigation.” This new insight provides more options for glioblastoma therapeutics development. Although blocking other signals from tumor-associated immune cells increased survival rates from 0 to 60% in other preclinical studies from the Chen Lab, diverse treatment options are essential as no one glioblastoma case is the same, Dr. Chen says. “Discovering new signaling axes in the glioblastoma tumor microenvironment gives us a broader and more precise toolkit,” Dr. Liu explains. “It allows us to design combination therapies that can be personalized to each tumor’s unique microenvironment to overcome treatment resistance.”