Speaker Profile
PMWC LUMINARY AWARD
Pioneering cfDNA methylome profiling (cfMeDIP-seq), enabling blood-based cancer detection and tissue of origin
Ph.D., Full Professor, U. of Toronto; CSO & Co-Founder, Adela
Biography
Dr. Daniel De Carvalho is a leading cancer biologist recognized for pioneering cfDNA methylome profiling (cfMeDIP-seq), the first method to demonstrate that tumor-specific methylation patterns in plasma can reveal both the presence and tissue-of-origin of cancer. His research bridges epigenetics, liquid biopsy, and translational oncology, driving new approaches for early cancer detection, minimal residual disease detection, surveillance, classification and monitoring therapy response. At the University of Toronto and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, his lab investigates how DNA methylation dynamics inform tumor evolution, transposable elements regulation, viral mimicry and treatment response. Dr. De Carvalho’s discoveries have reshaped how scientists and clinicians view the potential of epigenetic biomarkers in precision oncology and pioneered the use of cfDNA methylation for clinical use.
Session Abstract – PMWC 2026 Silicon Valley
Track Chair: Victor Velculescu, Johns Hopkins
PMWC Award Ceremony
• Pioneer Honoree: Klaus Pantel, UKE & ELBS
• Luminary: Rebecca Fitzgerald, University of Cambridge
Keynote
• Klaus Pantel, UKE & ELBS
Advancing Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Detection through cfDNA and cfRNA Profiling
• Chair: Luis Diaz, MSKCC
• Anne-Renee Hartman, Adela
Early Cancer Detection / Regulatory / Population Health
• Peter Bach, DELFI Diagnostics
• Joshua J. Ofman, GRAIL
Role of AI in Liquid Biopsies and Cancer Detection
• Chair: Amoolya Singh, DELFI Diagnostics
