Page 4 - Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre Annual Report 2023 to 2024

JUNIOR INVESTIG
Dr. Julie Bennett
Q. Could you tell us about your professional
journey that led you to your current role with the
Brain Tumour Research Centre?
I am a paediatric neuro-oncologist interested in
adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with tumours
more commonly seen in children. During my clinical
fellowship, I studied gliomas in AYAs with Drs. Tabori
and Hawkins, which opened up a career pathway to
providing clinical care for these patients and a
plethora of research opportunities.
Q. What primary research questions are you most
passionate about exploring, and why do you find
these areas particularly meaningful?
I focus on learning more about tumour biology and
treatment outcomes for AYAs. How do these tumours
differ from those seen in children? Do they respond the
same way to treatments proven to work in children?
How can we improve care for AYAs with brain tumours?
This orphan population has not been prioritized for
study, resulting in fewer insights into tumour biology
and limited opportunities to participate in clinical trials.
I aim to improve care for these patients, ensuring a
better quality of life and longer life.
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?
I spend time with my family, including my husband,
three young sons, and our recently added golden
retriever puppy, Pickles. We love being outdoors – riding
bikes, camping, skiing, and swimming. I also enjoy
baking, reading, and knitting.
Dr. Anirban Das
Q. Could you tell us about your professional
journey that led you to your current role with the
Brain Tumour Research Centre?
I completed my medical education and fellowships
in India and worked as a staff physician before
arriving at SickKids for advanced neuro-oncology
training. The exciting work and mentorship I found
here inspired me to dive deeper, complete my
clinician-scientist training, and transition to my
current staff role.
Q. What primary research questions are you most
passionate about exploring, and why do you find
these areas particularly meaningful?
My overarching research focus is to uncover the germline
underpinnings of deadly brain tumours in children and
young adults and translate these findings into improved
global diagnostics and care. Currently, I concentrate on
deciphering the immunobiology of CNS cancers driven
by DNA replication-repair deficiency. As co-lead of the
International RRD Consortium with Dr. Uri Tabori, I
consult on cases worldwide – including in lower-income
countries – to promote evidence-based care for affected
patients and families. I also participate in several
international consortia, cancer predisposition committees,
and immuno-oncology working groups to advance clinical
diagnostics, workflows, and precision-oncology trials
featuring novel correlative biomarker analyses.
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?
I like to read fiction and non-fiction, travel, and spend
time with my family.
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IMAGINE 2023-24