Building the next generation
of cancer detection tools

We are committed to developing tools for the early diagnosis of disease. Specifically, we use engineering, bioinformatics and molecular biology principles to design non-invasive cancer detection systems.

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Located in the heart of Montreal at the Centre de Recherche du CHUM and École de Technologie Supérieure

Our lab aims to be a global leader in next generation cancer detection. We are always looking to add curious scientists and engineers at all levels. Please see the Join section to contact us.

Science

There is an urgent unmet need in oncology. We need personalized medicine tools to diagnose cancer and predict treatment response as soon as possible. We utilize circulating tumor DNA as a marker for cancer load. Circulating DNA is part of the detritus of cells, is ubiquitous in bodily fluids, and can originate from any vascularized tissue. The overall goal is to collect DNA and determine whether or not the DNA is involved in cancer.

DNA science illustration for Pellan Cheng Lab.

Computer and code illustration

To do this, we devise molecular assays and computational pipelines to maximize information gained from each blood draw. Our projects are centered around designing ultra-sensitive cancer detection tools.

Computer and code illustration

Team

I am fully commited to building a team of amazing people who are also amazing scientists. So far, so good.

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ALEXANDRE PELLAN CHENG

Associate Professor of Engineering; Cancer Diagnostics

Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from
Polytechnique Montréal Ph.D. from Cornell University

ALEXANDRE PELLAN CHENG

Associate Professor of Engineering; Cancer Diagnostics

Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from
Polytechnique Montréal Ph.D. from Cornell University

ALEXANDRE PELLAN CHENG

Associate Professor of Engineering; Cancer Diagnostics

Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from
Polytechnique Montréal Ph.D. from Cornell University

ALEXANDRE PELLAN CHENG

Associate Professor of Engineering; Cancer Diagnostics

Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from
Polytechnique Montréal Ph.D. from Cornell University

ALEXANDRE PELLAN CHENG

Associate Professor of Engineering; Cancer Diagnostics

Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from
Polytechnique Montréal Ph.D. from Cornell University

Publications

For a full list of our group's publications, please see Alex's Google Scholar.

Cover page of an article named Whole genome error-corrected sequencing for sensitive circulating tumor DNA cancer monitoring.

Cheng*, Widman*, Arrora* et al. Whole genome error-corrected sequencing for sensitive circulating tumor DNA cancer monitoring. Biorxiv. 2022.

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First page of an article titled: "A metagenomic DNA sequencing assay that is robust against environmental DNA contamination."

Mzava*, Cheng*, Chang* et al. A metagenomic DNA sequencing assay that is robust against environmental DNA contamination. Nature Communications. 2022.

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Cell-free DNA profiling informs all major complications of hematopoietic cell transplantation demonstrating circulating cell-free DNA is a highly versatile analyte for monitoring of the most important complications of HCT.

Cheng et al. Cell-free DNA profiling informs all major complications of hematopoietic cell transplantation.
PNAS. 2022.

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Fist page of the article titled: Cell-free DNA tissues of origin by methylation profiling reveals significant cell, tissue, and organ-specific injury related to COVID-19 severity.

Cheng*, Cheng*, Gu* et al. Cell-free DNA tissues of origin by methylation profiling reveals significant cell, tissue, and organ-specific injury related to COVID-19 severity. Med. 2021.

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Cover page of an article titled: "A cell-free DNA metagenomic sequencing assay that integrates the host injury response to infection. "

Cheng et al. A cell-free DNA metagenomic sequencing assay that integrates the host injury response to infection. PNAS. 2019.

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Microscope illustration for Pellan Cheng Lab, a lab based in montreal that develops cancer based research tools.

About us

We are driven by a shared commitment to meaningful, translational research — science that doesn’t just stay in the lab but makes a real impact in the clinic. Our work is guided by curiosity, and we believe that the best discoveries emerge when we explore the unknown with open minds and bold ideas.

We aim to foster a work environment that is safe, supportive, and collaborative — where every team member is valued, encouraged, and empowered to succeed. We celebrate curiosity, innovation, and resilience.

Great science happens when we uplift each other. Together, we are building tools, advancing knowledge, and shaping  a future where our discoveries translate into real-world solutions.

Scientist conducting an experiment.

Join Us

We have opportunities in wet lab, dry lab, and hybrid research. The best diagnostic device will integrate molecular and computational innovations and we welcome curious individuals to become part of our multidisciplinary team. Lab members have the option of working in experimental biology (wet lab), computational biology (dry lab) or in a hybrid environment.

We have openings for undergraduate, master, Ph.D and postdoctoral researchers. In our lab, collaboration is key. You’ll work alongside a team of dedicated researchers, each bringing their own expertise and perspective. We value diversity, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of scientific discovery. If you’re ready to contribute to groundbreaking research in systems biology, we’d love to have you on our team.

Send an e-mail to alexandre.cheng@etsmtl.ca to get in touch.