Phase 2 - Consortium Launch Proposals

General Principles 

Phase 1 of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network (MOHCCN or ‘Network’) established a pan-Canadian research network focused on precision oncology for the benefit of Canadian cancer patients. This work was grounded in the successful development of five regional consortia spanning all ten provinces, which provide the core structural foundation for Phase 2 of the initiative. 

This Request for Applications (RFA) solicits launch proposals aimed at supporting the five MOHCCN Consortia for the initiation of Phase 2. Additional RFAs focused on clinical trials, data-driven discovery (including Phase 1 data), and more targeted pilot projects will be issued subsequently, as appropriate. Funding is subject to approval of Phase 2 by the Treasury Board of the Government of Canada and execution of the Phase 2 Contribution Agreement with the Government of Canada.  

Proposals must be submitted by the consortium lead(s) on behalf of the full consortium; only one proposal per consortium will be accepted. All consortium members are expected to be consulted and to contribute to the proposal. The inclusion of new consortium members—particularly those in rural and remote locations or other underserved settings, including those serving Indigenous populations—is strongly encouraged and will be assessed during evaluation of the proposals. Advice regarding strategies for inclusion of underserved communities can be obtained through consultation with TFRI’s Canadian Spectrum Relations Manager, Amber Teed. Moreover, it is expected that all proposals will involve consultation with patients, such as members of the MOHCCN Patient Working Group and/or other patient partners. A list of the names and affiliations of the consortium members and patients who were consulted must be provided as an Appendix to the proposal.  

Proposals must clearly articulate how the proposed work advances the overarching objectives of the Phase 2 of MOHCCN. Having established the broad feasibility of whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing (WGTS) profiling at scale, federated data sharing, and prospective case accrual in Phase 1, the primary goal of Phase 2 is to build on this achievement to provide clear evidence of the value of precision oncology for Canadian cancer patients, using properly designed prospective cancer patient cohorts. Retrospective cohorts initiated but not completed in Phase 1 are not eligible.  

All proposals should be accompanied by ongoing regional health economic assessments and appropriate implementation studies regarding the benefits, limitations, costs, and feasibility of precision oncology approaches in the region. 

Key Deadlines and Dates 

*Funding is subject to approval by the Government of Canada Treasury Board of the Phase 2 submission and to subsequent execution of the Phase 2 Contribution Agreement with the Government of Canada.