Changing the Narrative in Calgary’s Cancer Care
When Dr. Michael Monument returned to his hometown of Calgary in 2014 after a fellowship at the University of Utah, he faced a challenge that would shape the next decade of cancer research in the city. Sarcoma, a relatively rare but devastating group of bone and soft tissue tumors, was not a dedicated research field at the University of Calgary at the time. Yet Monument was determined to redefine what was possible in his community. Through strategic fundraising, community engagement, and a commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration, he built the Integrated Sarcoma Research Program (iSARP) and has steered it toward becoming a leading center for sarcoma research and care in Canada.
Today, iSARP is more than a clinical service—it is a model of how philanthropy and science can intersect to accelerate medical progress. The program spans clinicians, researchers, students, and patients, all working toward more precise, personalized approaches to treating sarcoma. Monument describes iSARP as a “multidisciplinary, team-based centre of excellence” where the ultimate goal is to translate laboratory discoveries into tangible improvements in patient outcomes.
A Molecular Map for Precision Oncology
One of the hallmarks of iSARP’s approach is the use of genomic sequencing to create a patient-specific “molecular fingerprint.” This fingerprint helps clinicians identify which drugs are more likely to be effective for a given tumor, moving beyond traditional one-size-fits-all chemotherapy. As Monument notes, these early steps are essential in building a robust precision oncology program. When physicians know which pathways are driving a particular sarcoma, they can tailor treatments and explore clinical trials that target those exact mechanisms. This paradigm not only enhances the potential for successful outcomes but also spares patients from ineffective therapies with harmful side effects.
From Clinicians to Comprehensive Research
What began as a force of clinicians providing top-tier care has evolved into a comprehensive research ecosystem. The iSARP transformation—from a small team to a 40-plus member multidisciplinary program—has been enabled by strategic donor support and a steady stream of grants from organizations such as the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Donors like Ron Daye of Rangeland Engineering and Rob Pearson have played pivotal roles in building the infrastructure that makes cutting-edge sarcoma research possible.
Monument recalls that in 2014 the program consisted mostly of clinicians focused on day-to-day patient care. By 2025, Calgary’s sarcoma program has grown to include PhD scientists, research staff, and an array of trainees. This expansion reflects not only increased capacity but also a deeper integration of research, education, and clinical practice. The result is a learning health system where discoveries feed back into patient care and, in turn, patient experiences inform research questions.
Funding as a Catalyst for Change
The story of iSARP is a clear reminder that breakthroughs in cancer research depend as much on funding as on ideas. Grants from the Alberta Cancer Foundation have been crucial in building laboratories, sequencing capabilities, and the personnel needed to sustain a long-term research program. Strategic giving—carefully aligned with program goals—has created a foundation that allows researchers to pursue innovative therapies while maintaining rigorous clinical standards.
According to Monument, the impact of donor support extends beyond funding. It signals community trust and belief in the value of investing in science that targets devastating diseases like sarcoma. The result is not only more advanced research but also greater patient access to experimental therapies through trials and industry partnerships. In a field where outcomes for sarcoma patients can hinge on timely and precise intervention, iSARP’s model offers a hopeful path forward.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Targeted Treatments
As iSARP continues to identify potential therapies and test them in appropriate settings, Calgary is positioned to become a hub for sarcoma research in Canada. The team’s evolving portfolio—ranging from additional genomic analyses to new animal models and collaborative trials—reflects a broader shift toward precision medicine in oncology. Monument’s leadership emphasizes that Calgary’s progress would not have been possible without the generosity of donors and the strategic alignment of funding with scientific goals.
A Decade of Growth, A Decade of Hope
“We’ve really grown this program in the span of a decade,” Monument says. “We’ve gone from a very small centre of good clinical sarcoma care to one that’s integrated that care with cutting-edge research, education and training.” The narrative has shifted from scarcity to possibility: from limited attention to a thriving ecosystem where research-informed care offers real hope to those affected by sarcoma.
As iSARP moves forward, the city of Calgary stands as a testament to what happens when a community—through grants, donors, and dedicated professionals—reframes the path from treatment to every patient’s chance at a better outcome.
