Tomohiro Aoki

I am a clinician scientist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and an assistant professor at the University of Toronto. Throughout my clinical career as a hematologist, I have treated numerous patients with lymphoid cancers and have witnessed many suffer from progressive or refractory disease. These experiences ignited a strong desire to pursue translational research aimed at improving patient survival through the development of more effective therapies.

Research:

The central focus of my research is to understand how interactions between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment regulate cancer development and shape the tumor-educated microenvironment in lymphoid cancers, ultimately leading to biomarker discovery and novel therapeutic targets. I employ cutting-edge technologies, including single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and proteomics assays, in conjunction with state-of-the-art preclinical in vitro and in vivo models. By integrating these approaches, my goal is to enhance patient outcomes through the establishment of precision medicine. To achieve this, the Aoki Lab collaborates globally with leading researchers and clinicians, including clinical trial groups such as the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) and the Children’s Oncology Group (COG).

Funding:

My research program is supported by multiple national and international organizations, including the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Lymphoma Canada, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC), the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF), the American Society of Hematology (ASH), and the V Foundation.

Lab culture:

I aim to cultivate a lab culture that fosters a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. The Aoki Lab actively supports the career development of all its members.