Dr. Christopher Mueller’s lab at Queen’s University is advancing cancer detection with liquid biopsies – simple blood tests that provide detailed insights into a patient's disease. The lab has developed tests for breast, lung, prostate, and ovarian cancers, with more in development.

Ongoing projects include a multi-centre clinical study for metastatic breast cancer and a recently concluded lung cancer study. The team has also launched mDETECT-Inc, a start-up that maintains strong university ties.

One of the most promising efforts focuses on a blood test for the earlier detection of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the 5th deadliest cancer for women in Canada, often going undetected until it has spread. Dr. Mueller, graduate student Sydney Shepherd, and medical oncologist Dr. Josee-Lyne Ethier at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre are staring the ORACLE study to see if their ovarian cancer blood test can identify cancer earlier and distinguish it from other non-cancerous conditions. Earlier diagnosis means better outcomes. Currently supported by the Ovarian Cancer Relief Foundation’s Dawn Ride, this research is moving toward real-world impact. With more funding, this study can be expanded to catch cancer even sooner and track how well treatment is working—helping women live longer, healthier lives.