McGill researchers have developed an AI tool called SIDISH that identifies high-risk cancer cells driving aggressive disease, enabling more precise and targeted treatment strategies. By linking single-cell data with patient outcomes, the tool can predict disease progression and simulate responses to potential drug targets, helping accelerate drug discovery and repurposing. While still in development, SIDISH shows promise for advancing personalized cancer care and improving outcomes across multiple tumour types.

The Canadian Cancer Society is urging provinces to lower the colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45, citing rising rates among younger adults and evidence that earlier screening could prevent over 15,000 cases and 6,100 deaths. Younger patients are more often diagnosed at advanced stages, making early detection critical. Expanding access to simple screening tools like FIT tests could significantly improve outcomes and save lives.

Researchers at McGill University have developed a new strategy to enhance natural killer (NK) cells, enabling them to better penetrate tumour defenses and destroy cancer cells. Using small-molecule drugs to temporarily boost NK cell activity—rather than permanent genetic modification—the approach showed strong results against multiple hard-to-treat cancers in preclinical studies. The scalable, ready-to-use therapy could make immunotherapy faster, safer, and more accessible, with future clinical trials planned for aggressive cancers like acute myeloid leukemia.

A new CMA survey reveals major risks to patient care in Canada, with 99% of physicians reporting that disconnected health systems limit access to critical patient information and nearly half witnessing serious adverse outcomes as a result. At the same time, 97% of doctors say they have intervened to address harm caused by false or misleading online health information, including AI-generated advice. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated digital health systems and stronger efforts to promote reliable health information.