Dr. Candice Poon
Positions
Full Member
Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Brain and Mental Health Research Clinics Initiative
Full Member
Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute
Child Health & Wellness Researcher
Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute
Affiliations
Assistant Professor
Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Clinical Neurosciences | Neurosurgery
Assistant Professor
Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Oncology
Surgeon
Alberta Health Services
Contact information
Web presence
Phone number
Academic office: 403.220.5572
Clinical office: 403.944.5209
Location
Laboratory: HMRB161
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Kelly Johnston
Senior Communications Specialist
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Preferred method of communication
Administrative Assistant:
Sue Nelson
nelsons@ucalgary.ca
Office: 403.220.5572
I'm looking for...
Learning opportunities
I'm currently accepting inquiries for graduate/postgraduate student positions (Masters, PhD, postdoctoral) with an anticipated start date of Sept 2024 or later. Please email nelsons@ucalgary.ca.
Background
Educational Background
Doctor of Medicine University of Alberta,
Biography
Dr. Candice Poon is an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary and a Neurosurgeon with Alberta Health Services at Foothills Medical Centre. She obtained a BSc Honors Neuroscience degree from the University of Alberta where she subsequently earned her MD. Following this, she pursued a Neurosurgical Residency at the University of Calgary where she also completed an enfolded PhD in Neuro-Oncology and -Immunology under the supervision of Dr. Wee Yong. Dr. Poon was then selected for a prestigious neurosurgical-oncology clinical and research fellowship at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. During this time, she studied the glioma perivascular niche under the supervision of Dr. Padmanee Sharma and Dr. Frederick Lang. Dr. Poon has now returned to the University of Calgary with appointments in both the Departments of Clinical Neurosciences and Oncology where she runs her own laboratory.
Dr. Poon was awarded the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) Adult Basic Research Abstract Award, the Canadian Neurosurgical Society K. G. McKenzie Memorial Prize for Basic Research Award, a Dean’s Silver Medal in Science, and numerous other awards and research/academic scholarships. Dr. Poon’s research interests lie in the areas of neuro-immunology, bioinformatics, and the biology of the perivascular niche with a focus on how stromal cells interact with immune cells to affect brain tumors in the context of the glymphatic system.
Dr. Poon is a dedicated mother, enjoys swimming with her family, spending quality time with friends, and architecture/interior design.
Research
Areas of Research
Interactions between perivascular stromal cells and immune cells in glioma
Our lab is focused on advancing the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) cancers, particularly glioblastoma and brain metastases (GBMet). GBMet are leading causes of disability and death in Neuro-Oncology. Our research delves into the interactions between stromal cells and immune cells in the perivascular space. By understanding these interactions using a blend of clinical and preclinical experimental techniques, we aim to develop better GBMet treatments.
Our lab offers a highly interdisciplinary environment. We combine cutting-edge cancer biology with big data techniques such as single-cell RNA-sequencing and spatial transcriptomics/proteomics to deeply characterize the perivascular environment. Leveraging computational approaches, including AI-assisted imaging and surgical technologies, we aim to innovate new therapeutic strategies. Our work also extends to drug development, with a particular interest in targeting the perivascular space and immunosuppression, a key factor in cancer progression. Our ultimate goal is to exploit the interactions of perivascular stromal cells with the immune system to develop innovative treatments for CNS cancer patients. If you’re passionate about translational brain cancer research, our lab would like to hear from you.
Participation in university strategic initiatives
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