Welcome!
The Fonseca Lab studies how cancer-driving DNA alterations shape the immune microenvironment of prostate cancer. We use genomic profiling and spatial imaging technologies to probe how cancer cells with specific genetic alterations communicate with and modulate immune cells in the tumour microenvironment. Our projects are anchored in human prostate cancer biology, leveraging unique biobanked and clinically defined patient cohorts to ensure clinical relevance. Our goal is to build a combined genomic and immune framework that will refine how immunotherapies are developed and selected for patients with metastatic prostate cancer.
We also study a rare inherited form of kidney cancer caused by inactivation of the tumour suppressor gene von Hippel-Lindau (VHL). Our lab hosts the biospecimen repository for the BC Cancer von Hippel Lindau Biobank which drives research into this rare disease. Our projects delve into the spatial organisation of the VHL-associated immune microenvironment and the immune correlates of response to belzutifan treatment.
The lab is located at the Deeley Research Centre (part of BC Cancer-Victoria) on beautiful Vancouver Island. Our translational research benefits from close ties with colleagues at the University of Victoria, the Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital and BC Cancer-Vancouver.
Opportunities Open!
We currently have positions available for two graduate students. Please see the Contact section for details.
BC Cancer-Victoria and the University of Victoria are located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Lək̓ʷəŋən Peoples, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.