Dr. Vishal Navani | Lung Cancer Research Director | PROPEL Study
Principal Director of the PROPEL Lung Cancer Study
Leading Alberta’s Fight Against Lung Cancer
Dr. Vishal Navani combines world-class medical training with an unwavering commitment to patient-centered care. As a staff medical oncologist at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and assistant professor at the University of Calgary, he leads the PROPEL lung cancer study—research that puts your real experiences at the heart of medical discovery.
Dr. Navani’s mission is simple yet powerful: ensure every patient’s voice shapes the future of lung cancer care across Alberta and beyond.
Research Focus & Expertise
Dr. Navani graduated from the University of Oxford (Bachelor of Arts in Medical Sciences) and Imperial College London (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery). He holds both Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom and Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
The PROPEL Study: Patient Voices in Action
Dr. Navani’s leadership of the PROPEL study represents a fundamental shift in cancer research—one that recognizes patients and caregivers as true partners in discovery. Through PROPEL, he’s building a comprehensive understanding of:
- The real-world impact of lung cancer treatments on quality of life
- Barriers patients face accessing precision medicine therapies
- How patient experiences can guide better care decisions
This work is part of the Patient Voices in Research initiative, which will address current gaps in precision oncology identified by those closest to it: cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.
Core Research Areas:
- Patient-Reported Outcomes in Lung Cancer – Understanding how treatments truly impact patients’ daily lives
- Precision Medicine Access – Breaking down barriers to life-saving targeted therapies across Alberta
- Real-World Data Analysis – Turning large datasets into practical insights that improve patient care
As lead for Glans Look, Canada’s largest lung cancer database, his award-winning research appears in high-impact journals including JAMA Oncology, The Lancet Oncology, and European Urology.
Clinical Excellence & Innovation
Dr. Navani has secured substantial competitive grant funding and mentored trainees to international ASCO merit awards. His clinical expertise includes:
- Thoracic Oncology – Leading lung cancer trials and precision medicine initiatives
- Genitourinary Malignancies – Advanced cancer care across multiple tumor types
- Early Phase Drug Development – Director of clinical trials units identifying novel therapeutic targets
- Regulatory Expertise – Contributing to national drug approval processes and clinical development consulting
University of Calgary Partnership
As Principal Director of Glans-Look Lung Cancer Research, Dr. Navani works within the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine to advance cancer research. This institutional backing ensures that the PROPEL study maintains the highest standards of scientific rigor while remaining accessible to patients across Alberta.
The collaboration with the University of Calgary provides:
- Robust research infrastructure and data security
- Access to leading-edge research methodologies
- Connection to the broader Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network
Making a Difference for Patients
Dr. Navani’s work extends beyond the clinic into policy and practice. He contributes clinical expertise to national drug reimbursement decisions and advises life science companies on treatment development. This work directly impacts:
- Treatment Access – Helping Alberta patients access the latest precision therapies
- Policy Decisions – Providing expert insights that shape national drug approvals
- Future Research – Ensuring patient perspectives guide the next generation of cancer treatments
Every data point in his research represents a real person’s experience—and that human connection drives everything he does.
Join Dr. Navani’s Research
Ready to make your voice heard in lung cancer research?
The PROPEL study offers you a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could improve care for future patients. Your experiences—both the challenges and victories—provide insights that can’t be found in any medical textbook.
Participating is simple:
- Share Your Experience – Answer questions about your lung cancer journey
- Make an Impact – Help researchers understand real-world treatment experiences
- Shape the Future – Contribute to research that improves access to better care
This initiative was designed by cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers to ensure research focuses on what truly matters: the lived experiences of those affected by cancer.
Join hundreds of participants already making a difference.
Contact Dr. Navani’s Research Team
Email: glr@ahs.ca
Research Program Manager: Michelle Dean (mlisaac@ucalgary.ca)