Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada; about 2 in 5 Canadians are estimated to develop cancer in their lifetime[1]. Each type of cancer exhibits distinct genetic patterns, and this data has been leveraged to understand the biology of tumors and develop precision therapies. Although our understanding of cancer genetics is growing rapidly, precision treatment is not available for all types of cancer.  

Dr. Dermot Kelleher and collaborators at UBC are developing a novel precision oncology platform technology, termed the “Tumor Amplified Transient Molecular Switch (TATMS)”.  

This nucleic acid based platform achieves its specificity through two complementary components: a trigger containing a specific DNA sequence that acts as a landing pad for the necessary enzymes and instructs the cell’s machinery to produce another small nucleic acid structure, RNA. This newly produced RNA (the suppressor) then targets and inhibits genes that drive cancer, leading to cancer cell death and tumor regression. 

This project focuses on advancing the TATMS technology for the treatment of esophageal adenocarcinoma, a disease of significantly poor outcomes and limited therapeutic options. Because TATMS is a platform built on a technological foundation that enables the systematic development of multiple therapies, it has the potential to be adapted to create precision treatments for many other cancer types beyond esophageal cancer. 

[1] Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory Committee in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Canadian Cancer Statistics 2025. Toronto, ON: Canadian Cancer Society; 2025. Available at: cancer.ca/Canadian-Cancer-Statistics-2025-EN