Genetic testing program improves cancer care across Canada
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Ryan White of the Maritimes received a rare leukemia diagnosis in 2020 and later needed a bone marrow transplant. Doctors at the IWK Maritime Centre for Precision Medicine in Halifax used genetic testing to understand why his leukemia returned after initial treatment.
Dr. Amy Trottier led the development of Canada’s first clinical program focused on hereditary myeloid malignancies, which identified a genetic predisposition for cancer in White’s case.
This discovery allowed doctors to rule out his sibling as a bone marrow donor, as they also carried the genetic marker, and find an alternative match. The genetic testing helped customize White’s treatment plan, determining the type, length, and dosage of chemotherapy he needed before the transplant. IWK Health now serves as a national referral centre for this specialized testing, despite being known primarily as a women’s and children’s hospital.
White is now five years in remission and credits the Centre for Precision Medicine with saving his life. He has since focused on enjoying life and appreciating his family and hobbies, recognizing the importance of living in the moment.
