Torsten Nielsen

Professor Torsten Nielsen is a clinician-scientist at the University of British Columbia's Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine (Faculty of Medicine), based at Vancouver General Hospital and BC Cancer. He directs UBC's MD/PhD Program, contributes to cancer clinical trials with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group, and chairs the international Connective Tissue Oncology Society's Research Committee.

• Key affiliations: UBC, Vancouver General Hospital, BC Cancer, Molecular and Advanced Pathology Core
• Academic focus: Translational research in sarcomas and breast cancer

His research prioritizes translating genomic discoveries into clinical diagnostics and treatments, particularly for synovial sarcoma, breast cancer subtypes, and tenosynovial giant cell tumors. He develops FDA-cleared molecular assays like the PAM50 (Prosigna) test and leads pan-Canadian precision oncology initiatives. Collaborative efforts include work with Stanford, Leiden, and DKFZ Heidelberg.

Recent publications highlight advancements in epigenetic therapies, immune biomarker validation, and synovial sarcoma pathogenesis. His lab's work on CSF1/CSF1R signaling inspired new treatment strategies for joint-destructive tumors.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
• Fellow, Royal Society of Canada

As director of UBC's MD/PhD Program, he trains future clinician-scientists. His lab team includes experts in epigenomics, proteomics, and mouse modeling. Current projects focus on precision oncology for sarcomas and Ki67 standardization in breast cancer.