Robert Kridel

At a Glance

Areas of focus include:

• lymphoma
• translational research
• cancer genomics
• functional genomics

Short Bio

Dr. Kridel is a Clinician-Scientist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. His research interests include lymphoma genomics and their correlation with treatment response, as well as the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes. He completed his medical training and medical oncology residency in Belgium and Switzerland, and obtained his PhD from the University of British Columbia.

Research Synopsis

We have an interest in B-cell lymphomas and are focusing on scenarios that are associated with poor outcome such as early progression after treatment, transformation to aggressive lymphoma and relapse in the central nervous system. We are applying cutting-edge tools to primary patient samples to unravel tumour heterogeneity and to develop novel, innovative biomarkers to predict outcome in lymphoma. Furthermore, we are leveraging novel findings from discovery platforms to elucidate mechanisms of lymphoma pathogenesis, tumour evolution and treatment resistance. Our ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes through a better understanding of the diversity of responses to treatment and by tailoring therapy to each individual patient.

1. Predicting outcome of follicular lymphoma using genomic approaches
Follicular lymphoma is clinically heterogeneous and treatment decision rely on clinical indices. However, the catalogue of genetic alterations observed in any given patient may provide the substrate for reponse following treatment. We mine existing and new datasets to identify novel genetic outcome predictors. The ultimate goal is to develop clinical-grade biomarkers that help us personalize therapies.

2. Understanding treatment resistance
Despite the consideration that treatment resistance ultimately contributes to lymphoma-related mortality, it is very poorly understood. Using patient-derived datasets, we try to identify genetic and phenotypic markers that are robustly associated with treatment resistance. Using functional genomics, we aim to understand how such markers cause resistance.

3. Deciphering tumour evolution
Clonal evolution is a fundamental property of how cancers evolve over time. We postulate that better understanding of clonal dynamics at play will provide us with new strategies to circumvent the emergence of resistant clones. We are trying to answer key questions related to intratumoral heterogeneity and tumour evolution using unique resources and datasets available at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

4. Translational research platform
We aim to provide a comprehensive genomic research platform for clinical trials. This includes profiling of circulating tumour DNA, plasma biomarkers and tissue biopsies.

Recent Publications

• Validation of the RHL30 digital gene expression assay as a prognostic biomarker for relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma. Calvente L, … Kridel R. Br J Haematol. 2020 Jun 8 [Epub ahead of print].
• Convergence of risk prediction models in follicular lymphoma. Silva A, … Kridel R. Haematologica. 2019 Jun;104(6):e252-e255.
• FOXP1 expression is a prognostic biomarker in follicular lymphoma treated with rituximab-containing regimens. Mottok A,* Jurinovic V,* … Hoster E,* Weigert O,* Kridel R.* Blood. 2018 Jan 11;131(2):226-235. (* denotes equal contribution)
• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with testicular involvement: Outcome and risk of CNS relapse in the rituximab era. Kridel R*, Telio D*, … Savage KJ. British Journal of Haematology. 2017 Jan;176(2):210-221. (* denotes equal contribution)
• Histological Transformation and Progression in Follicular Lymphoma: a Clonal Evolution Study. Kridel R*, Chan FC*, Mottok A, … Gascoyne RD, Shah P. PLOS Medicine. 2016 Dec 13;13(12):e1002197. (* denotes equal contribution)
• Cell of origin of transformed follicular lymphoma. Kridel R,* Mottok A,* … Scott DW, Gascoyne RD. Blood 2015 Oct 29;126(18):2118-27. (* denotes equal contribution)
• Integration of Gene Mutations Improves Risk Prognostication in Patients Receiving First-line Immunochemotherapy for Follicular Lymphoma in Clinical Trial and Population-Based Cohorts. Pastore A,* Jurinovic V,* Kridel R,* Hoster E,* … Gascoyne RD, Weinstock DM, Weigert O. Lancet Oncol. 2015 Sep;16(9):1111-22. (* denotes equal contribution)
• The prognostic impact of CD163-positive macrophages in follicular lymphoma: A study from the BC Cancer Agency and the LYmphoma Study Association. Kridel R, Xerri L, … Gascoyne RD, Salles G. Clin Cancer Res. 2015 Aug 1;21(15):3428-35.
• Whole transcriptome sequencing reveals recurrent NOTCH1 mutations in mantle cell lymphoma. Kridel R, Meissner B, … Weng AP, Steidl C, Gascoyne RD. Plenary Paper. Blood. 2012 Mar 1;119(9):1963-71.