DRAFT – 

Cancer is caused by changes in DNA that affect how cells grow and behave. New genomic technologies make it possible to analyze a patient’s cancer in detail and match treatments to the specific mutations driving the disease. This approach, known as precision oncology, has the potential to improve outcomes for cancer patients. However, in Canada, access to precision oncology remains limited. This is largely due to gaps in evidence about effectiveness and cost, fragmented data systems, and policies that are not designed to support learning from real-world patient data.

The Canadian Network for Learning Healthcare Systems and Cost-Effective ‘Omics Innovation (CLEO) was created to address these challenges. CLEO brought together researchers, clinicians, patients, policy makers, and health system partners across Canada and internationally. The project focused on designing systems that allow healthcare to continuously learn from patient data while respecting patient values, privacy, and legal requirements.

CLEO used real Canadian precision oncology programs as case studies to develop practical tools and guidance. These include methods to assess the value of genomic technologies over time, approaches to secure and patient-informed data sharing, and legal and policy frameworks that support responsible use of genomic data. By integrating economic analysis, patient perspectives, and governance research, CLEO worked to support more equitable, effective, and sustainable use of genomics in cancer care.

This project benefited Canadians by improving access to precision oncology, supporting better decision-making by health systems, and strengthening Canada’s leadership in genomics, health policy, and learning healthcare systems.