Page 3 - Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre Annual Report 2023 to 2024

JUNIOR INVESTIGJunior Investigator Profiles
We are thrilled to introduce four new junior investigators joining the Labatt Brain
Tumour Research Centre from the clinical side. We asked each of them three key
questions. Their insights showcase the innovative work being done at our Centre
and the personal interests that sustain them beyond their demanding professions.
We invite you to read on, learn their stories, and share in their commitment to
improving outcomes for brain tumour patients.
Dr. Adrian Levine
Q. Could you tell us about your professional
journey that led you to your current role with the
Brain Tumour Research Centre?
I first became interested in clinical neurosciences
during medical school, completing research projects
and neurosurgery rotations. Seeing the devastating
impact of glioblastoma on patients my own age
motivated me to find better treatments. I recognized
that real progress hinges on understanding how
tumours form and evolve, especially with the advent of
advanced genetic sequencing in 2000. During my
residency at the University of British Columbia, I
deepened my interests in cancer genetic testing and
AI. I then arrived at SickKids as a research fellow and
became a neuropathologist, pursuing my PhD with
Dr. Cynthia Hawkins to study paediatric brain tumours.
Q. What primary research questions are you most
passionate about exploring, and why do you find these
areas particularly meaningful?
I study gliomas of all grades, focusing on the
behaviours that drive their most harmful effects and
how they evolve. Although most low-grade gliomas have
favourable outcomes, a subset can metastasize
throughout the brain and spine or transform into
high-grade disease. To understand this, I led an
international consortium to collect cases worldwide.
Conversely, diffuse midline and other high-grade
gliomas invade normal brain tissue, limiting surgical
resection. This invasion is a significant barrier to cures,
so I examine the mechanisms of tumour spread,
interactions with non-tumour brain cells, and how
these tumours adapt as they infiltrate different areas.
Q. When you’re away from the clinic or lab,
how do you like to spend your time – what hobbies or
activities help you recharge?
Outside of work I like to stay
active, especially outside when
possible. My favourite activities
include mountain biking, skiing/
snowboarding, and Brazilian
jiu-jitsu. I’ve also been getting
back into swimming and plan
to do the Toronto triathlon in
the summer.
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