The McGill Breast Outcomes Research Group engages in close collaboration with leading experts from across McGill University and its affiliated institutions. These interdisciplinary partnerships are central to advancing our research in surgical outcomes, cancer genomics, and breast cancer prevention.
Our collaborators bring diverse and complementary expertise in areas such as hereditary cancer syndromes, molecular oncology, translational biology, health services research, and clinical oncology. Their contributions not only expand the scope and scientific depth of our work but also provide rich mentorship and learning opportunities for our students and trainees.
We are proud to collaborate with the following investigators. To learn more, please explore their profiles below:
- Dr. William Foulkes
- Dr. Mark Basik
- Dr. Jean-François Boileau
- Dr. Karyne Martel
- Dr. Ari Meguerditchian
- Prof. Luke McCaffrey
Dr. William Foulkes, MB.BS, PhD, FRSC
Dr. William Foulkes is an internationally recognized leader in hereditary cancer genetics and a pioneer in the discovery of cancer susceptibility genes. Over the course of his career, he has made foundational contributions to the understanding of inherited cancer syndromes, including the identification and clinical characterization of genes such as PALB2, RAD51D, SMARCA4, and BARD1. His work has profoundly influenced the genetic screening and risk management strategies used for breast, ovarian, and other rare cancers.
As Chair of the Department of Human Genetics at McGill University and Director of multiple genetics programs across McGill-affiliated hospitals, Dr. Foulkes plays a key role in shaping the field of medical genetics both nationally and internationally. His research bridges laboratory discovery and clinical practice, informing evidence-based guidelines for cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, and personalized prevention strategies.
Dr. Foulkes collaborates actively with the McGill Breast Outcomes Research Group on research related to familial breast cancer syndromes, including both BRCA-related and non-BRCA gene mutations. His expertise adds depth to our investigations into genetic determinants of breast cancer outcomes and risk stratification.
Academic Appointments and Institutional Roles
- Distinguished James McGill Professor, Departments of Medicine, Human Genetics, and Oncology, McGill University
- Alva Chair in Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, McGill University
- Department Chair, Department of Human Genetics, McGill University
- Medical Geneticist, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital
- Director, Program in Cancer Genetics, McGill University
- Director of the Division of Medical Genetics, McGill University Health Centre & Jewish General Hospital
- Senior Principal Investigator, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital
- Senior Principal Investigator, McGill University Health Centre - Research Institute
Dr. Mark Basik, MD
Dr. Mark Basik is a breast surgical oncologist and internationally recognized leader in translational cancer research. His work bridges clinical oncology and molecular science, with a focus on improving outcomes for breast cancer patients through personalized treatment strategies.
Dr. Basik directs the Cancer Genomics and Translational Research Laboratory at the Jewish General Hospital, where his team investigates the molecular mechanisms that drive tumor progression, chemotherapy resistance, and metastasis. His research integrates tumor tissue analysis, gene expression profiling, and biomarker discovery to better understand why certain patients respond to specific treatments while others do not.
As the Herbert Black Chair in Surgical Oncology at McGill University, Dr. Basik plays a central role in mentoring students, residents, and fellows in translational research methods. His ongoing collaboration with the McGill Breast Outcomes Research Group enhances our efforts in molecular profiling, predictive biomarker validation, and the development of data-driven, individualized care pathways for patients with breast cancer.
Academic Appointments and Institutional Roles
- Professor & Herbert Black Chair in Surgical Oncology, Departments of Surgery and Oncology, McGill University
- Senior Principal Investigator, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital
- Head, Cancer Genomics and Translational Research Laboratory, Jewish General Hospital
- Breast Surgical Oncologist, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital
Dr. Jean-François Boileau, MD, MSc
Dr. Jean-François Boileau is a breast surgical oncologist and clinical researcher whose work has had a significant impact on the evolution of surgical care in breast cancer. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to axillary surgery and the management of patients receiving neoadjuvant systemic therapy.
Dr. Boileau was a principal investigator in the landmark ACOSOG Z1071 and SN FNAC trials, both of which played a critical role in redefining the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy after chemotherapy. These studies have led to more conservative and personalized surgical approaches, helping reduce patient morbidity while maintaining oncologic safety.
In his role as Director of the Breast Clinical Trials Group at the Jewish General Hospital, Dr. Boileau leads multiple prospective trials focused on optimizing surgical techniques, evaluating imaging modalities, and integrating pathology data into treatment planning. His academic interests lie in refining surgical decision-making through multidisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based research.
Dr. Boileau’s collaboration with the McGill Breast Outcomes Research Group strengthens our program’s focus on clinical trial methodology, surgical outcomes research, and precision treatment planning in early- and locally advanced breast cancer.
Academic Appointments and Institutional Roles
- Associate Professor, Departments of Surgery and Oncology, McGill University
- Director, Jewish General Hospital Breast Clinical Trials Group, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital
- Breast Surgical Oncologist, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital
Dr. Karyne Martel, MD
Dr. Karyne Martel is a breast surgical oncologist and clinician-scientist with a focus on the comprehensive treatment of early- and advanced-stage breast cancer. Her academic work bridges clinical practice and outcomes research, with particular emphasis on systemic therapy decision-making and long-term patient follow-up.
She is actively involved in the design and implementation of clinical trials evaluating novel therapeutic strategies and drug combinations, including those targeting specific tumor subtypes. In addition to her trial work, Dr. Martel is committed to studying real-world treatment patterns, patient-reported outcomes, and survivorship care pathways, helping ensure that research findings translate into meaningful improvements in patient experiences and quality of life.
Through her collaboration with the McGill Breast Outcomes Research Group, Dr. Martel contributes to projects focused on systemic therapy trends, treatment sequencing, and longitudinal care models, enriching our understanding of how breast cancer care unfolds across the treatment continuum.
Academic Appointments and Institutional Roles
- Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, McGill University
- Breast Surgical Oncologist, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital
Dr. Ari Meguerditchian, MD, MSc, FRCS(C), FACS
Dr. Ari Meguerditchian is a surgical oncologist and leading expert in cancer health services research. His work focuses on optimizing the quality, equity, and efficiency of cancer care delivery at the system level. He leads several provincial and national initiatives aimed at improving access to breast cancer treatment, reducing practice variation, and supporting evidence-based policy development.
As Scientific Director of both the St. Mary’s Research Centre and the Quebec Cancer Registry, Dr. Meguerditchian oversees major population-level studies using administrative and clinical datasets. His dual appointment at St. Mary’s Hospital and the MUHC allows him to bridge academic research and clinical innovation across institutions.
His collaboration with the McGill Breast Outcomes Research Group enriches our work in surgical outcomes, health equity, and the analysis of large-scale cancer care data.
Academic Appointments and Institutional Roles
- Associate Professor, Departments of Surgery and Oncology, McGill University
- Surgical Oncologist, St. Mary's Hospital
- Surgical Oncologist, and Leader, Regional Therapeutics Program, McGill University Health Centre
- Scientific Director & Principal Investigator, St. Mary’s Research Centre
- Principal Investigator, McGill University Health Centre - Research Institute
- Vice-Chair of the Speciality Committee in Surgical Oncology, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Prof. Luke McCaffrey, PhD
Prof. McCaffrey is a leading cancer cell biologist whose research focuses on how epithelial cell polarity, tissue architecture, and microenvironmental cues regulate tumor progression and metastasis in breast cancer. His lab applies cutting-edge imaging, spatial biology, and single-cell technologies to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive disease evolution. As scientific director of two major platforms at the Goodman Cancer Institute, he also supports innovation in histopathology and single-cell analysis. His collaboration strengthens our group’s understanding of tumor biology and translational cancer science.
Academic Appointments and Institutional Roles
- Associate Professor, Department of Oncology, McGill University
- Principal Investigator, Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute
- Scientific Director, Histology Innovation Platform & the Single Cell Imaging and Mass Cytometry Analysis Platform
