Dr. Nirav Thacker is a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and an investigator at the CHEO Research Institute, with a specialized focus on pediatric neuro-oncology and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)–associated tumors. His clinical and research work centers on improving outcomes for children with brain tumors through innovative models of care and the integration of clinical trials into routine practice.
A central focus of Dr. Thacker’s work is advancing equitable access to high-quality care and novel therapies through clinical trials. He leads two international multicentre clinical trials for children with brain tumors and other Canadian and global investigator-initiated studies evaluating targeted and immune-based treatments, including initiatives that intentionally include sites in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). His work aims to reduce geographic and systemic disparities by expanding access to clinical trials as a pathway to innovation.
Dr. Thacker serves as Scientific Director of the Clinical Trials ACCESS Core at the CHEO Research Institute, where he is focused on strengthening clinical trials infrastructure, supporting investigator-led research, and expanding access to early-phase and innovative therapies. At CHEO, he established Canada’s first multidisciplinary pediatric NF1 clinic, improving care coordination and significantly reducing the burden of hospital visits for patients and families.
Through national collaborations, guideline development, and global partnerships, Dr. Thacker’s program focuses on expanding access to clinical trials as a means of delivering innovative and equitable care for children with brain tumors in Canada and globally.
