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19 août 2026 IRCUS News

Phase 1 Oncology Unit

The Voices of IRCUS: Accessing Tomorrow’s Treatments Today

“I’m not ready to give up,” says Jo-Anne Hug, a patient at the Phase 1 Oncology Unit living with multiple myeloma.
“I’m not ready to give up,” says Jo-Anne Hug, a patient at the Phase 1 Oncology Unit living with multiple myeloma.
Photo : Mathieu Lanthier - UdeS

In 2026, the Université de Sherbrooke Cancer Research Institute (IRCUS) is celebrating its 5th anniversary by giving a voice to those at the heart of its mission. The Voices of IRCUS series highlights powerful personal stories that remind us that cancer research is not an abstract promise but a driving force that brings hope, heals, inspires, and changes lives—right here, right now at IRCUS.

To continue this series, IRCUS features Jo-Anne Hug, whose voice conveys renewed hope after receiving an innovative treatment through the Phase 1 Oncology Unit, an initiative led by IRCUS.

Don’t miss the upcoming stories. Follow The Voices of IRCUS on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

Jo-Anne Hug, a patient at the Phase 1 Oncology Unit, pictured with her spouse.
Jo-Anne Hug, a patient at the Phase 1 Oncology Unit, pictured with her spouse.
Photo : Mathieu Lanthier - UdeS

“I’m not ready to give up”

Living with multiple myeloma for nearly 15 years, Jo-Anne Hug enrolled in a Phase 1 clinical trial when available treatments were no longer enough to slow the progression of her disease. Thanks to the treatment she received through the Phase 1 Oncology Unit, her light chain levels, a key indicator of disease progression, dropped from a very high level to an undetectable one.

“I had never reached zero, never, never, never. I was absolutely thrilled,” she recalls. Without considering herself cured, she sees this outcome as an important new beginning, one that allows her to look ahead with optimism and share that hope with her loved ones.

Dr. Michel Pavic, medical oncologist, co-lead of the Phase 1 Oncology Unit and director of medical research at IRCUS.
Dr. Michel Pavic, medical oncologist, co-lead of the Phase 1 Oncology Unit and director of medical research at IRCUS.
Photo : Mathieu Lanthier - UdeS

When research changes lives

By providing early access to innovative treatments before they become commercially available, the Phase 1 Oncology Unit offers new therapeutic options at moments when every day counts, and every breakthrough can make a meaningful difference.

“My greatest source of pride, and that of the entire research team, is seeing our patients improve, benefit from new treatments, and live longer with a good quality of life. This is not the work of a single person, but of an entire team dedicated to supporting patients,” says Dr. Michel Pavic.

“What is most rewarding for us, as research professionals, is seeing the effectiveness of treatments and knowing that we have options to offer our patients,” adds Stéphanie Dubreuil, regulatory affairs specialist at the CHUS Research Centre.
“What is most rewarding for us, as research professionals, is seeing the effectiveness of treatments and knowing that we have options to offer our patients,” adds Stéphanie Dubreuil, regulatory affairs specialist at the CHUS Research Centre.
Photo : Mathieu Lanthier - UdeS

A success made possible by teamwork

Just two years after its inauguration (learn more), the Phase 1 Oncology Unit is already providing Estrie patients with local access to numerous innovative treatments that were previously unavailable in the region. This achievement stems from a close collaboration among IRCUS, the CHUS Research Centre, the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, now Santé Québec Estrie – CHUS, and the CHUS Foundation, which joined forces to make this major project a reality.

“It was a dream of mine to establish this Phase 1 Unit in Estrie. Phase 1 research is now much more targeted than it used to be, making it possible to test treatments with better prospects for effectiveness and to obtain concrete results for patients,” says Dr. Michel Pavic.

The core team behind the creation of the Phase 1 Oncology Unit. From left to right: Ann-Sophie Madore, research nurse; Christine Lawson, Unit coordinator; Dr. Michel Pavic, co-lead of the Unit; Dr. Frédéric Lemay, co-lead of the Unit; and Anick Champoux, research nurse and research coordinator.
The core team behind the creation of the Phase 1 Oncology Unit. From left to right: Ann-Sophie Madore, research nurse; Christine Lawson, Unit coordinator; Dr. Michel Pavic, co-lead of the Unit; Dr. Frédéric Lemay, co-lead of the Unit; and Anick Champoux, research nurse and research coordinator.
Photo : Courtesy

The 5th anniversary of IRCUS is not only a time to look back on the path we have taken but also the beginning of a new chapter in which researchers, the community, and partners come together to transform the future of cancer. Together, let’s keep building a world where every discovery brings us closer to a cure and every act of support helps save lives.

To stay up to date with this inspiring year of celebrations, follow IRCUS on:
LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

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