Submit to Current Oncology Review for Current Oncology

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Conference Reports

Canadian National Pancreas Conference 2023: A Review of Multidisciplinary Engagement in Pancreatic Cancer Care

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(10), 6191-6204; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31100461

Pancreatic cancer is a complex malignancy associated with poor prognosis and high symptom burden. Optimal patient care relies on the integration of various sectors in the healthcare field as well as innovation through research. The Canadian National Pancreas Conference (NPC) was co-organized and hosted by Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society and The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in November 2023 in Montreal, Canada. The conference sought to bridge the gap between Canadian healthcare providers and researchers who share the common goal of improving the prognosis, quality of life, and survival for patients with pancreatic cancer. The accredited event featured discussion topics including diagnosis and screening, value-based and palliative care, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, cancer-reducing treatment, and an overview of the current management landscape. The present article reviews the NPC sessions and discusses the presented content with respect to the current literature.
Full text download

Report from the 25th Annual Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference on Gastric and Gastroesophageal Cancers, Winnipeg, Manitoba, 26–27 October 2023

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(10), 5987-6006; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31100447

The 25th Annual Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference (WCGCCC) was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on 26–27 October 2023. The WCGCCC is an interactive multidisciplinary conference that was attended by healthcare professionals from across Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba) who are involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists; pathologists; oncology nurses; pharmacists; and a family physician in oncology (FPO) participated in presentation and discussion sessions for the purpose of developing the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses current issues in the management of gastroesophageal cancers.
Full text download

Equitable Access to Genomic Molecular Testing for Australian Cancer Patients: Insights from the Victorian Precision Oncology Summit

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(8), 4519-4530; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31080337

The Victorian Precision Oncology Summit, convened in 2023, was a joint initiative between the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance (VCCC Alliance) and the Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium (MPCCC) and was proposed to guide a coordinated state-wide conversation about how the oncology sector can overcome some of the current obstacles in achieving equity of access to clinical cancer genomics for Victorian patients. Themes that emerged from discussion groups at the Summit include standardisation, centralisation, funding, education and communication and insights across those themes are outlined in this manuscript. The event served as a large consultation piece for the development of a broader precision oncology roadmap, which explores equitable access to molecular testing for Victorian patients, currently in development by the VCCC Alliance and MPCCC in collaboration with other key Victorian and national stakeholders. While this symposium was a Victorian initiative, it is felt that the insights garnered from this consultation piece will be of interest to consumer groups, clinicians, researchers, educators, policy makers and other key stakeholders in other states of Australia as well as in other countries implementing comprehensive genomic profiling within complex health systems.
Full text download

Addressing the Rising Trend in Early-Age-Onset Cancers in Canada

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(7), 4063-4078; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31070303

A multi-disciplinary symposium on early-age onset cancer (EAOC) was held in October 2023 to explore challenges experienced by this rapidly growing population. A major outcome of the symposium was recognition of the remarkable similarities of EAOC patients’ journeys across cancer sites. Prevention and early detection of cancer are hindered by a lack of awareness among patients and family doctors that cancer can and does occur in younger persons. Distinct characteristics of the disease—such as a later stage at diagnosis and more aggressive tumor biology—require more potent treatments, which result in profound physical and psychosocial consequences that are unique to this age group. EAOC patient empowerment emerged as another key theme of the symposium. The development of a greater number of specialized clinics was called for, and patient support groups were recognized for the vital role they play in empowering patients and their families. Leading-edge medical advancements hold tremendous hope across the spectrum of EAOC care. New technologies based on genomic profiling, immunotherapy and microbiome alteration contribute to the development of highly effective, personalized approaches to treatment. All symposium participants expressed their commitment to speak with one resounding voice to advocate for equitable access to leading care practices for EAOC patients; thus, a fourth symposium is planned for November 2024.
Full text download

Abstracts of the 39th Annual CAPO Conference—Building Hope: Integrating Sustainable, Innovative and Accessible Care in Psychosocial Oncology 6 to 7 June 2024

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(6), 3379-3494; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31060257

On behalf of the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology, we are pleased to present the Abstracts from the 2024 Annual Conference, titled “Building Hope: Integrating Sustainable, Innovative and Accessible Care in Psychosocial Oncology”. The Conference was held in Calgary from 6 June 2024 to 7 June 2024. This conference brought together key stakeholders including multidisciplinary professionals from nursing, psychology, psychiatry, social work, spiritual care, nutrition, medicine, rehabilitation medicine, occupational health and radiation therapy for both adult and pediatric populations. Participants included clinicians, researchers, educators in cancer care, community-based organizations and patient representatives. Patients, caregivers and family members presented abstracts that speak to their role in managing cancer experiences and care. Over one hundred (150) abstracts were selected for presentation as symposia, 20 min oral presentations, 10 min oral presentations, 90 min workshops and poster presentations. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contribution.
Full text download

Abstracts of the Cell Therapy Transplant Canada 2023 Annual Conference

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(6), 2918-2951; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31060223

On behalf of Cell Therapy Transplant Canada (CTTC), we are pleased to present the Abstracts of the CTTC 2023 Annual Conference. The conference was held in-person, 31 May–2 June 2023, in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the Westin Nova Scotian hotel. Poster authors presented their work during a lively and engaging welcome reception on Thursday, 1 June, and oral abstract authors were featured during the oral abstract session in the afternoon of Friday, 2 June 2023. Twenty-three (23) abstracts were selected for presentation as posters and four (4) as oral presentations. Abstracts were submitted within four categories: (1) Basic/Translational Sciences, (2) Clinical Trials/Observations, (3) Laboratory/Quality, and (4) Pharmacy/Nursing/Other Transplant Support. The top four (4) oral abstracts and top four (4) poster abstracts were selected to receive an award. All of these were marked as “Award Recipient” within the relevant category. We congratulate all the presenters on their research and contributions to the field.
Full text download

The Canadian Breast Cancer Symposium 2023 Meeting Report

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(4), 1774-1802; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31040135

On 15–16 June 2023, healthcare professionals and breast cancer patients and advocates from across Canada met in Toronto, Ontario, for the 2023 Canadian Breast Cancer Symposium (CBSC.). The CBSC. is a national, multidisciplinary event that occurs every 2 years with the goal of developing a personalized approach to the management of breast cancer in Canada. Experts provided state-of-the-art information to help optimally manage breast cancer patients, including etiology, prevention, diagnosis, experimental biology, and therapy of breast cancer and premalignant breast disease. The symposium also had the objectives of increasing communication and collaboration among breast cancer healthcare providers nationwide and providing a comprehensive and real-life review of the many facets of breast cancer. The sessions covered the patient voice, the top breast cancer papers from different disciplines in 2022, artificial intelligence in breast cancer, systemic therapy updates, the management of central nervous system metastases, multidisciplinary management of ductal carcinoma in situ, special populations, optimization-based individual prognostic factors, toxicity management of novel therapeutics, survivorship, and updates in surgical oncology. The key takeaways of these sessions have been summarized in this conference report.
Full text download

The REthinking Clinical Trials Program Retreat 2023: Creating Partnerships to Optimize Quality Cancer Care

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(3), 1376-1388; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31030104

Patients, families, healthcare providers and funders face multiple comparable treatment options without knowing which provides the best quality of care. As a step towards improving this, the REthinking Clinical Trials (REaCT) pragmatic trials program started in 2014 to break down many of the traditional barriers to performing clinical trials. However, until other innovative methodologies become widely used, the impact of this program will remain limited. These innovations include the incorporation of near equivalence analyses and the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical trial design. Near equivalence analyses allow for the comparison of different treatments (drug and non-drug) using quality of life, toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data. AI offers unique opportunities to maximize the information gleaned from clinical trials, reduces sample size estimates, and can potentially “rescue” poorly accruing trials. On 2 May 2023, the first REaCT international symposium took place to connect clinicians and scientists, set goals and identify future avenues for investigator-led clinical trials. Here, we summarize the topics presented at this meeting to promote sharing and support other similarly motivated groups to learn and share their experiences.
Full text download

Barriers and Unequal Access to Timely Molecular Testing Results: Addressing the Inequities in Cancer Care Delays across Canada

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(3), 1359-1375; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31030103

Genomic medicine is a powerful tool to improve diagnosis and outcomes for cancer patients by facilitating the delivery of the right drug at the right dose at the right time for the right patient. In 2023, a Canadian conference brought together leaders with expertise in different tumor types. The objective was to identify challenges and opportunities for change in terms of equitable and timely access to biomarker testing and reporting at the education, delivery, laboratory, patient, and health-system levels in Canada. Challenges identified included: limited patient and clinician awareness of genomic medicine options with need for formal education strategies; failure by clinicians to discuss genomic medicine with patients; delays in or no access to hereditary testing; lack of timely reporting of results; intra- and inter-provincial disparities in access; lack of funding for patients to access testing and for laboratories to provide testing; lack of standardized testing; and impact of social determinants of health. Canada must standardize its approach to biomarker testing across the country, with a view to addressing current inequities, and prioritize access to advanced molecular testing to ensure systems are in place to quickly bring innovation and evidence-based treatments to Canadian cancer patients, regardless of their place of residence or socioeconomic status.
Full text download

Breaking Down Barriers to Detection and Care in Early-Age-Onset Colorectal Cancer in Canada

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(11), 9392-9405; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30110680

The second Early-Age-Onset Colorectal Cancer Symposium, convened in October 2022, sought solutions to the barriers to early detection and care for colorectal cancer in Canada. This meeting built on a previous symposium, held in 2021 and reported in this journal. Early-age-onset colorectal cancer (EAOCRC) affects increasing numbers of people under the age of 50 in Canada and throughout the developed world. Two main themes emerged from the meeting: the importance of timely detection, and the need for a tailored approach to the care of EAOCRC. Early detection is crucial, especially in light of the later stage at diagnosis and unique tumour characteristics. Symposium participants were strongly in favour of reducing the age of eligibility for screening from 50 to 45, and promoting the development of non-invasive screening techniques such as testing for circulating tumour DNA and biomarkers. Leading approaches to care were described and discussed, which meet the unique treatment needs of younger CRC patients. Multidisciplinary practices within and outside Canada address such factors as fertility, family roles, education, careers and financial responsibilities. These models can be applied in treatment centres across the country.
Full text download

Eastern Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference 2023

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(9), 8172-8185; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30090593

The annual Eastern Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference 2023 was held in Quebec City, Quebec 2–4 February 2023. The purpose of the conference was to develop consensus statements on emerging and evolving treatment paradigms. Participants included Canadian medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and surgical oncologists from across Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces. Consensus statements were developed following rapid review presentations and discussion of available literature. The recommendations proposed here represent the consensus opinions of physicians involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies who participated in this meeting.
Full text download

Report from the 24th Annual Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference on Colorectal Cancer, Richmond, British Columbia, 28–29, October 2022

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(9), 7964-7983; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30090579

The 24th annual Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference (WCGCCC) was held in Richmond, British Columbia, on 28–29 October 2022. The WCGCCC is an interactive multidisciplinary conference attended by healthcare professionals from across Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) who are involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists; pathologists; radiologists; and allied health care professionals such as dieticians, nurses and a genetic counsellor participated in presentation and discussion sessions for the purpose of developing the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses current issues in the management of colorectal cancer.
Full text download

Abstracts of the 2023 Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists Annual Scientific Meeting

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(8), 7581-7607; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30080550

On behalf of the Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists, we are pleased to present the abstracts of the 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting. The CAMO Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) took place on 27 April 2023 in an in-person event in Toronto, ON. Thirty-two (32) abstracts were selected for presentation as oral presentations, in-person poster presentations, and virtual poster presentations. Awards for the top four (4) abstracts were presented during the ASM; they have been marked as “Award Recipient”. We congratulate all presenters on their research work and contribution.
Full text download

Resilience at Work among Healthcare Professionals in Oncology during and beyond the Pandemic: Report from A Deliberative Multi-Stakeholder Reflexive Symposium

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(7), 6986-6995; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30070506

The chronic distress faced by healthcare professionals (HCPs) in oncology was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, heightening the need to improve their resilience. The Entretiens Jacques Cartier symposium provided an opportunity for participants from France and Quebec to share perspectives on resilience at work and discuss interventions at individual and organizational levels to support HCP health and well-being. Fifty-eight stakeholders were invited to the symposium, including HCPs, government decision-makers, researchers, and patient representatives. The symposium began with presentations on the nature of professional resilience at work in oncology and promising interventions developed in France and Quebec. Participants were then engaged in deliberation on how evidence and experiential knowledge could contribute to workplace strategies to strengthen resilience. Small-group reflexive sessions using the photovoice method, and an intersectoral roundtable, elicited the expression and deliberation of multiple perspectives on the nature and building blocks of resilience. Four main themes emerged from the discussions: (1) that resilience remains a muddy concept and can be associated pejoratively with “happycracy”; (2) that resilience must contend with bounded autonomy and captors; (3) that it relies on a sense of coherence at work; and (4) that patients play a role in improving HCP resilience. Stakeholders from healthcare systems in different countries view resilience at work as a means of equipping teams to handle chronic and punctual stresses in cancer care. The symposium emphasized the importance of better defining what resilience at work means and pursuing explorations of multicomponent interventions to support oncology HCPs and the patients they care for. The themes raised by participants at the symposium suggest pathways for furthering this exploration.
Full text download

Abstract Proceedings of the 38th Annual Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology (CAPO) Conference, June 2023

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(7), 6872-6963; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30070503

On behalf of the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology, we are pleased to present the Abstracts from the 2023 Annual Conference, titled “Co-designing Psychosocial Oncology: Optimizing Outcomes for All”. The conference was held in Montreal from 20 June 2023 to 22 June 2023. This conference brought together key stakeholders including multidisciplinary professionals from nursing, psychology, psychiatry, social work, spiritual care, nutrition, medicine, rehabilitation medicine, occupational health and radiation therapy for both adult and pediatric populations. Participants included clinicians, researchers, educators in cancer care, community-based organizations and patient representatives. Patients, caregivers and family members presented abstracts that spoke to their role in managing cancer experiences and care. Over one hundred (100) abstracts were selected for presentation as symposia, 20-min oral presentations, 10-min oral presentations, 90-min workshops and poster presentations. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contribution.
Full text download

First Pediatric Exercise Oncology Congress (PEOC)

Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(5), 4736-4753; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30050357

On behalf of the 1st Pediatric Exercise Oncology Congress, we are pleased to present the abstracts from the 2022 Conference, the inaugural gathering of an international congress. The conference was held virtually on 7 and 8 April 2022. This conference brought together key stakeholders in pediatric exercise oncology, including multidisciplinary professionals from exercise, rehabilitation medicine, psychology, nursing, and medicine. The participants included clinicians, researchers, and community-based organizations. Twenty-four abstracts were selected for presentations (10–15-min oral presentations). In addition, there were five invited speakers with 20 min presentations and two keynotes with 45 min presentations. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contribution.
Full text download

Abstracts of the Cell Therapy Transplant Canada 2022 Annual Conference

Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(12), 9970-10017; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29120783

On behalf of Cell Therapy Transplant Canada (CTTC), we are pleased to present the Abstracts of the CTTC 2022 Annual Conference. The conference was held in-person 15–18 June 2022, in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Poster authors presented their work during a lively and engaging welcome reception on Thursday, 16 June, and oral abstract authors were featured during the oral abstract session in the afternoon on Friday, 17 June 2022. Thirty-three (33) abstracts were selected for presentation as posters and six (6) as oral presentations. The top abstracts in each of four (4) categories, (1) Basic/Translational sciences, (2) Clinical Trials/Observations, (3) Laboratory/Quality, and (4) Pharmacy/Nursing/Other Transplant Support, received awards for both the oral and poster presentations. All of these were marked as “Award Recipient” with the relevant category. We congratulate all the presenters on their research and contribution to the field.
Full text download

Abstracts of the 2022 Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists Annual Scientific Meeting

Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(6), 3962-3982; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29060317

On behalf of the Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists, we are pleased to present the abstracts of the 2022 Annual Meeting. The CAMO Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) took place on 28 April 2022. Twenty-five (25) abstracts were selected for presentation as oral presentations and poster presentations. Awards for the top three (3) abstracts were presented during the ASM. All of them are marked as “Award Recipient”. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contribution.
Full text download

Early-Age-Onset Colorectal Cancer in Canada: Evidence, Issues and Calls to Action

Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(5), 3149-3159; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29050256

The inaugural Early-Age-Onset Colorectal Cancer Symposium was convened in June 2021 to discuss the implications of rapidly rising rates of early-age-onset colorectal cancer (EAO-CRC) in Canadians under the age of 50 and the impactful outcomes associated with this disease. While the incidence of CRC is declining in people over the age of 50 in Canada and other developed countries worldwide, it is significantly rising in younger people. Canadians born after 1980 are 2 to 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with CRC before the age of 50 than previous generations at the same age. While the etiology of EAO-CRC is largely unknown, its characteristics differ in many key ways from CRC diagnosed in older people and warrant a specific approach to risk factor identification, early detection and treatment. Participants of the symposium offered directions for research and clinical practice, and developed actionable recommendations to address the unique needs of these individuals diagnosed with EAO-CRC. Calls for action emerging from the symposium included: increased awareness of EAO-CRC among public and primary care practitioners; promotion of early detection programs in younger populations; and the continuation of research to identify unique risk factor profiles, tumour characteristics and treatment models that can inform tailored approaches to the management of EAO-CRC.
Full text download

Systemic Therapy and Its Surgical Implications in Patients with Resectable Liver Colorectal Cancer Metastases. A Report from the Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference

Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(3), 1796-1807; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29030147

The Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference (WCGCCC) convened virtually on 4 November 2021. The WCGCCC is an interactive multi-disciplinary conference attended by health care professionals, including surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists; pathologists; radiologists; and allied health care professionals from across four Western Canadian provinces, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, who are involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. They participated in presentation and discussion sessions for the purpose of developing recommendations on the role of systemic therapy and its optimal sequence in patients with resectable metastatic colorectal cancer.
Full text download

Report from the Ready for the Next Round Thought-Leadership Roundtables on Building Resilience in Cancer Care and Control in Canada-Colorectal Cancer Canada; 2021

Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(3), 1723-1743; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29030143

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated vulnerabilities in the Canadian health care system and exposed gaps and challenges across the cancer care continuum. Canada is experiencing significant disruptions to cancer-related services, and the impact these disruptions (delays/deferrals/cancellations) have on the health care system and patients are yet to be determined. Given the potential adverse ramifications, how can Canada’s health care systems build resilience for future threats? (2) Methods: To answer this question, CCC facilitated a series of four thought-leadership roundtables, each representing the views of four different stakeholder groups: patients, physicians, health care system leaders, and researchers. (3) Results: Six themes of strength were identified to serve as a springboard for building resilience including, (1) advancing virtual care and digital health technologies to prevent future interruptions in cancer care delivery. (2) developing real-time data metrics, data sharing, and evidence-based decision-making. (3) enhancing public–private-non-profit partnerships to advance research and strengthen connections across the system. (4) advancing patient-centricity in cancer research to drive and encourage precision medicine approaches to care. (5) investing in training and hiring a robust supply of health care human resources. (6) implementing a national strategy and infrastructure to ensure inter-provincial collaborative data sharing (4). Conclusions: A resilient health care system that can respond to shocks and threats is not an emergency system; it is a robust everyday system that can respond to emergencies.
Full text download

Report from the Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Consensus Cancer Conference—Management of Total Neoadjuvant Therapy in Rectal Cancer

Curr. Oncol. 2022, 29(2), 924-927; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol29020078

An educational session related to the Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference (WCGCCC) was held virtually on 14 October 2020. The WCGCCC is an interactive multidisciplinary conference attended by health care professionals from across Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba), who are involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists; pathologists, radiologists, and allied health care professionals participated in presentation and discussion sessions for the purpose of developing the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses current issues in the management of total neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer.
Full text download

Report from the Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference Virtual Education Series—Transition from Local to System Therapy and Optimal Sequencing of Systemic Therapy for HCC

Curr. Oncol. 2021, 28(6), 4317-4327; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol28060367

The Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference (WC-5) convened virtually on 10 February 2021. The WC-5 is an interactive multidisciplinary conference attended by health care professionals from across Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) who are involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists; pathologists; radiologists; and allied health care professionals participated in presentation and discussion sessions for the purpose of developing the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses current issues in the management of hepatocellular cancer (HCC). Recommendations have been made for the transition from local to systemic therapy and the optimal sequencing of systemic regimens in the management of HCC.
Full text download

Report from the 21st Annual Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference; Calgary, Alberta; 20–21 September 2019

Curr. Oncol. 2021, 28(5), 3629-3648; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol28050310

The 21st annual Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference (WCGCCC) was held in Calgary, Alberta, 20–21 September 2019. The WCGCCC is an interactive multi-disciplinary conference attended by health care professionals from across Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and allied health care professionals such as dietitians and nurses participated in presentation and discussion sessions to develop the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses current issues in the management of hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) cancers.
Full text download

36th Annual CAPO Conference: Advocating for All: Psychosocial Oncology at the Intersections of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, 8–10 June 2021

Curr. Oncol. 2021, 28(4), 2579-2698; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol28040234

On behalf of the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology, we are pleased to present the Abstracts from the 2021 Annual Conference, titled “Advocating for All: Psychosocial Oncology at the Intersections of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion”. The Conference was held virtually from 8 June 2021 to 10 June 2021. This conference brought together key stakeholders including multidisciplinary professionals from nursing, psychology, psychiatry, social work, spiritual care, nutrition, medicine, rehabilitation medicine, occupational health and radiation therapy for both adult and pediatric populations. Participants included clinicians, researchers, educators in cancer care, community-based organizations and patient representatives. Patients, caregivers and family members presented abstracts that speak to their role in managing cancer experiences and care. Over one hundred (100) abstracts were selected for presentation as symposia, 20-min oral presentations, 10-min oral presentations, 90-min workshops and poster presentations. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contribution.
Full text download

Abstracts of the 2021 Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists Annual Meeting

Curr. Oncol. 2021, 28(3), 2199-2226; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol28030204

On behalf of the Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists, we are pleased to present the Abstracts of the 2021 Annual Meeting. The National CAMO Residents Research Day was held virtually on 1 April 2021 and the CAMO Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) & Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place on 22 April 2021. Twenty (20) abstracts were selected for presentation as oral presentations and rapid-fire presentations. Awards for the top three (3) abstracts were presented during the ASM and AGM. All of them were marked as “Award Recipient”. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contribution.
Full text download

Canadian Melanoma Conference Recommendations on High-Risk Melanoma Surveillance: A Report from the 14th Annual Canadian Melanoma Conference; Banff, Alberta; 20–22 February 2020

Curr. Oncol. 2021, 28(3), 2040-2051; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol28030189

Introduction: There are a lack of established guidelines for the surveillance of high-risk cutaneous melanoma patients following initial therapy. We describe a novel approach to the development of a national expert recommendation statement on high-risk melanoma surveillance (HRS). Methods: A consensus-based, live, online voting process was undertaken at the 13th and 14th annual Canadian Melanoma Conferences (CMC) to collect expert opinions relating to “who, what, where, and when” HRS should be conducted. Initial opinions were gathered via audience participation software and used as the basis for a second iterative questionnaire distributed online to attendees from the 13th CMC and to identified melanoma specialists from across Canada. A third questionnaire was disseminated in a similar fashion to conduct a final vote on HRS that could be implemented. Results: The majority of respondents from the first two iterative surveys agreed on stages IIB to IV as high risk. Surveillance should be conducted by an appropriate specialist, irrespective of association to a cancer centre. Frequency and modality of surveillance favoured biannual visits and Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography (PET/CT) with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among the systemic imaging modalities available. No consensus was initially reached regarding the frequency of systemic imaging and ultrasound of nodal basins (US). The third iterative survey resolved major areas of disagreement. A 5-year surveillance schedule was voted on with 92% of conference members in agreement. Conclusion: This final recommendation was established following 92% overall agreement among the 2020 CMC attendees.
Full text download

Eastern Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference 2019

Curr. Oncol. 2021, 28(3), 1988-2006; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol28030185

The annual Eastern Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference 2019 was held in Morell, Prince Edward Island, 19–21 September 2019. Experts in medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology who are involved in the management of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies participated in presentations and discussion sessions for the purpose of developing the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses multiple topics in the management of anal, colorectal, biliary tract, and gastric cancers, including: radiotherapy and systemic therapy for localized and advanced anal cancer; watch and wait strategy for the management of rectal cancer; role of testing for dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency prior to commencement of fluoropyrimidine therapy; radiotherapy and systemic therapy in the adjuvant and unresectable settings for biliary tract cancer; and radiotherapy and systemic therapy in the perioperative setting for early-stage gastric cancer.
Full text download

Abstracts Submitted to the Cell Therapy Transplant Canada 2020 Annual Conference

Curr. Oncol. 2020, 27(6), 664-684; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.27.7151

Cell Therapy Transplant Canada thanks the following sponsors for providing educational grants to publish the cttc 2020 abstracts in Current Oncology: [...]
Full text download

Highlights from ASCO 2020: Updates on the Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Curr. Oncol. 2020, 27(4), 420-432; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.27.7009

Because of the global coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 annual scientific meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology took place virtually, 29–30 May. At the meeting, results from key studies about the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (cll) were disseminated. Studies examined the efficacy and safety of ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, zanubrutinib, and venetoclax as monotherapy or in combination with novel agents for patients with treatment-naïve and relapsed or refractory cll. Our meeting report describes the foregoing studies and presents interviews with investigators and commentaries by Canadian hematologists about potential effects on Canadian practice.
Full text download

CAMO 2020 Annual Meeting Abstracts

Curr. Oncol. 2020, 27(4), 408-419; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.27.6683

Background: Despite universal access to health care in Canada, disparities relating to social determinants of health contribute to discrepancies in cancer incidence and outcomes between rural and urban areas. Given that Canada has one of the highest-quality national population-based cancer registry systems in the world and little information is available about cancer statistics specific to northwestern Ontario, the purpose of this study was to estimate the percentage of cancer patients without documentation of a specialist consultation (medical or radiation oncology consultation) and to determine factors that affect access to specialist consultation in northwestern Ontario. Methods: This population-based retrospective study used administrative data obtained through the Ontario Cancer Data Linkage Project. For each index case, a timeline was constructed of all Ontario Health Insurance Plan billing codes and associated service dates, starting with the primary cancer diagnosis and ending with death. Specific factors affecting access to specialist consultation were assessed. Results: Within the 6-year study period (2010–2016), 2583 index cases were identified. Most (n=2007, 78%) received a specialist consultation. Factors associated with not receiving a specialist consultation included older age [p<0.0001; odds ratio (or): 0.29; 95% confidence interval (ci): 0.19 to 0.44] and rural residence (p<0.0001; or: 0.48; 95% ci: 0.48 to 0.72). Factors associated with receiving a specialist consultation included increased duration of disease (p<0.0001; or: 1.32; 95% ci: 1.19 to 1.46), a diagnosis of breast cancer (p<0.0001; or: 2.51; 95% ci: 1.43 to 4.42), and a diagnosis of lung cancer (p<0.0001; or: 1.77; 95% ci: 1.38 to 2.26). Conclusions: This study is the first to look at care access in northwestern Ontario. The complexity and multidisciplinary nature of cancer care make the provision of appropriate care a challenge; a one-size-fits-all disease prevention and treatment strategy might not be appropriate.
Full text download

Updates from the American Society of Hematology 2019 Annual Meeting: Practice-Changing Studies in Treatment-Naïve Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Curr. Oncol. 2020, 27(2), 231-245; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.27.6291

The 2019 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology took place 7–10 December in Orlando, Florida. At the meeting, results from key studies in treatment-naïve chronic lymphocytic leukemia (cll) were presented. Of those studies, phase iii oral presentations focused on the efficacy and safety of therapy with inhibitors of Bruton tyrosine kinase (btk) and Bcl-2. One presentation reported updated results of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 1912 trial comparing the efficacy and safety of ibrutinib–rituximab with that of fludarabine–cyclophosphamide–rituximab in patients less than 70 years of age with cll. A second presentation reported interim results of the elevate tn trial, which is investigating the efficacy and safety of acalabrutinib–obinutuzumab or acalabrutinib monotherapy compared with chlorambucil–obinutuzumab. A third presentation reported on the single-agent zanubrutinib arm of the sequoia trial in patients with del(17p). The final presentation constituted a data update from the cll14 trial, which is evaluating fixed-duration venetoclax–obinutuzumab compared with chlorambucil–obinutuzumab, including the association of minimal residual disease status with progression-free survival. Our meeting report describes the foregoing studies and presents interviews with investigators and commentaries by Canadian hematologists about potential effects on Canadian practice.
Full text download

The Canadian Cancer Research Conference 2019

Curr. Oncol. 2020, 27(2), 226-230; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.27.6245

The 5th Canadian Cancer Research Conference (ccrc) took place 3–5 November 2019 in Ottawa, Ontario. Nearly 1000 participants—scientists, oncologists, community members, and patients—gathered to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and fuel the future of cancer research in Canada. The scientific program included 3 plenary sessions, 26 concurrent sessions, and 2 poster sessions presenting research described in more than 600 submitted abstracts, giving participants the opportunity to share health research that collectively encompassed the 4 pillars recognized by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. In addition to the breadth of topics addressed by Canadian and international experts, the highlights of the meeting included the integration of patients and patient advocates, new rapid-fire sessions for abstract presentation, and events that enhanced learning opportunities for trainees.
Full text download

CanPROS Scientific Conference 2019 Poster Abstracts

Curr. Oncol. 2020, 27(1), 64-71; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.27.6045

Background: Palliative care is an approach that improves quality of life for patients and families facing challenges associated with life-threatening illness. In Alberta, most people who received palliative care received it late. Late palliative care negatively affects patient and caregiver experiences and decreases quality of life. This study aims to understand patient and caregiver experiences of advanced colorectal cancer care to inform an early palliative care pathway for advanced cancer care. Methods: A qualitative study that is embedded within a larger program of research on the implementation of the Palliative Care Early and Systematic (paces) pathway. Semi-structured telephone interviews with patients and their caregivers living with advanced colorectal cancer were conducted to explore their experiences with cancer care services received before pathway implementation. Interviews were transcribed, and the data were thematically analyzed, supported by the qualitative analysis software NVivo. Results: Interviews with 15 patients and 7 caregivers from Edmonton and Calgary were conducted over the telephone. Most participants found the Putting Patients First tool to be useful at their appointments; however, some mentioned a preference for viewing their scores over time. A total of 6 main themes were identified: (1) Meaning of palliative care (2) Communication (3 main subthemes: communication of diagnosis, communication between patient and oncologist, communication between providers) (3) Relationship with health care providers (including oncologist, family doctor, and nurses) (4) Access to care (cost of care, proximity to care, after hours care) (5) Patient readiness for advance care planning (6) Patient and family engagement in care, with mixed experiences in how patients were involved in their care. Conclusions: Most participants misperceived palliative care to mean “end-of-life care,” suggesting a need for improvement in the delivery of palliative care information. Understanding the care experiences of patients and caregivers will inform the development of a care pathway for early palliative care.
Full text download

CanPROS Scientific Conference 2019 Oral Abstracts

Curr. Oncol. 2020, 27(1), 57-63; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.27.6043

Background: Generic preference-based measures (pbms), though commonly used, may not be optimal for use in the economic evaluations assessing the impact of breast cancer interventions. Concerns that are unique to women with breast cancer (for example, body image, appearance, treatment-specific adverse effects) are not adequately captured by the existing generic measures. No breast cancer–specific pbm exists. The objective of this study was to construct a health state classification system specific to breast cancer which is amenable to valuation. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews in a heterogeneous sample of women with breast cancer [stages 0–4, any stage of treatment(s)]. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using the constant comparison approach to develop the conceptual framework. Patients were also asked to describe their most and least important concerns during the interview and to rate items in the related breast-q module (that is, mastectomy, breast-conserving therapy, or reconstruction) on a modified 5-point Likert scale (ranging from Not important to Very important). A faceto- face meeting with an expert panel of health care professionals, health economists, and hrqol researchers was used to obtain feedback on the health state classification system, response levels, and wording of the items. Results: Interviews (n = 59) with patients aged 59.9 years were completed. The resultant conceptual framework included site-specif ic (that is, abdomen, arm, breast) and overall (that is, body image, appearance, cancer, psychological, sexual, and social) domains. Triangulation of the qualitative and quantitative evidence led to the selection of key constructs for inclusion in the new pbm. The field test version of the breast-q utility health state classification system consisted of 13 attributes with 4 response levels each. Conclusions: The health state classification system for the preference-based module of the breast-q (breast-q-u) was derived using patient and expert feedback. The next phase will involve establishing psychometric properties of the breast-q-u, followed by a valuation study to generate utility weights.
Full text download

African–Caribbean Cancer Consortium Scientific and Training Conference 2017

Curr. Oncol. 2019, 26(6), 785-790; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.26.5305

The sixth International African–Caribbean Cancer Consortium (AC3) Conference was held 6–9 October 2017 in Miami, Florida, U.S.A. The conference was open to all researchers, trainees, clinical and public health professionals, and community members, and served as an international hub for the United States, the Caribbean, and Africa. Sessions included AC3 collaboration meetings, cancer surveillance and research skills training workshops, and a community cancer prevention conference.
Full text download

Report from the 20th Annual Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; 28–29 September 2018

Curr. Oncol. 2019, 26(6), 773-784; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.26.5517

The 20th annual Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference was held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 28–29 September 2018. This interactive multidisciplinary conference is attended by health care professionals from across Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) who are involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancers. In addition, invited speakers from other provinces participate. Surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists, and allied health care professionals participated in presentations and discussion sessions for the purpose of developing the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses current issues in the management of colorectal cancers.
Full text download

Canadian Lung Cancer Conference 2019

Curr. Oncol. 2019, 26(4), 578-580; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.26.5105

The 19th Canadian Lung Cancer Conference took place 7–8 February 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia. This annual interdisciplinary education event attracted participants from throughout Canada to review the latest advances in lung cancer care and to learn from world-renowned experts in the field. The highlights of this year’s conference were perspectives about biomarkers for immunotherapy, approaches to oligoprogressive disease, and caregiver burnout.
Full text download

Moving Research Into Practice: Summary Report of the Ex/Cancer Meeting on Physical Activity, Exercise, and Rehabilitation in Oncology

Curr. Oncol. 2018, 25(6), 615-621; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.25.4120

The development of evidence-based exercise guidelines for people with cancer represents a major achievement in research and provides direction to programming initiatives. The prevalence of sedentary cancer survivors and the risk posed by inactivity suggests a knowledge-to-action gap for which the evidence has not led to increased exercise levels in that population. To address that gap, researchers continue to explore opportunities to improve the understanding of exercise within the oncologic context—from tumour biology to behaviour-change theories—to drive improved access and participation in exercise and rehabilitative activity. In Canada, such efforts have largely been invested by individuals and small teams across the country rather than by unifying stakeholders to drive nationwide impact. Accordingly, a national group of leading researchers, clinicians, and other stakeholders convened a meeting to discuss and strategize initiatives on how to conduct innovative research into the effects of exercise and rehabilitation in cancer survivors, to increase access to exercise and rehabilitation services in cancer survivors, and to reduce sedentary behaviour in cancer survivors. The 2-day meeting, titled Ex/Cancer, was held April 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, and was attended by 83 stakeholders from across Canada, representing knowledge end-users (cancer survivors), clinicians (oncologists, nurses, counsellors), a provincial cancer care agency, community-based exercise and cancer organizations, and researchers. Attendees participated in networking events, roundtable discussions, and breakout sessions to identify, discuss, and develop clinical and research experiences and opportunities. In addition to knowledge exchange between attendees, the meeting set the foundation for the development of a collaborative network to support the development, dissemination, and support of clinical and research activity in exercise and rehabilitation for cancer survivors. With unanimous support from attendees, a major product of the Ex/Cancer meeting was the formation of the Canadian Oncology Rehabilitation and Exercise Network—COREN.
Full text download

Neoadjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer: Updates and Proceedings From the Seventh Annual Meeting of the Canadian Consortium for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Curr. Oncol. 2018, 25(5), 490-498; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.25.4153

Therapy for breast cancer involves a complex interplay of three main treatment modalities: surgery, systemic therapy, and radiation therapy. The Canadian Consortium for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer (LABC) was established with the goal to convene a strong multidisciplinary team of breast oncology clinicians and scientists who are dedicated to the advancement of LABC research and treatment, with a vision to drive progress through increased collaboration across disciplines and throughout Canada. The most recent meeting in May 2017 highlighted the latest evidence and literature about the optimal use of neoadjuvant systemic therapy in breast cancer. There is a need for increased clinical and scientific collaboration and the development of guidelines for the use of emerging treatment strategies. The interactive meeting sessions fostered unique opportunities for academic debate and nurtured collaboration between the attendees.
Full text download

Canadian Lung Cancer Conference 2018

Curr. Oncol. 2018, 25(3), 236-238; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.25.4100

The 2018 Canadian Lung Cancer Conference (CLCCO) took place 8–9 February in Vancouver, British Columbia. A highly anticipated event, the CLCCO attracts lung cancer professionals from across Canada to review the latest advances in lung cancer research in a multidisciplinary setting. It also brings world-renowned experts to share their knowledge. Some of the highlights this year included an overview of the remarkable advances in immuno-oncology, stereotactic radiotherapy, and navigational tools in bronchoscopy.
Full text download

Updates from the 2017 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting: Practice-Changing Studies in Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Curr. Oncol. 2018, 25(1), 91-103; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.25.4005

The 2017 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology took place 9–12 December in Atlanta, Georgia. At the meeting, the oral presentations included results from key studies on the first-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A series of phase ii studies focusing on the efficacy and safety of novel treatment strategies were especially notable. One concerned the health-related quality of life results from the gibb study, which had examined the combination of obinutuzumab and bendamustine. A second evaluated the venetoclax–ibrutinib regimen in patients with high-risk disease. The third assessed the combination of ibrutinib, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and obinutuzumab in patients with mutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region genes. The fourth examined the combination of ibrutinib, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab in younger patients. And the final study evaluated obinutuzumab–ibrutinib followed by a minimal residual disease strategy in fit patients. Our meeting report describes the foregoing studies and presents interviews with investigators and commentaries by Canadian hematologists about the potential effects on Canadian practice.
Full text download

Updates from the 2017 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting: Practice-Changing Studies in Relapsed and Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Curr. Oncol. 2018, 25(1), 83-90; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.25.4006

The 2017 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology took place 9–12 December in Atlanta, Georgia. At the meeting, results from key studies in the treatment of relapsed and refractory mantle cell lymphoma were presented. Of those studies, oral presentations focused on the efficacy and safety of therapy with Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors. One study presented pooled data from three trials using ibrutinib, with a median follow-up of 3.5 years. A second phase ii study presented data on the efficacy and safety of acalabrutinib, a highly selective BTK inhibitor with minimal off-target activity. The final study presented early phase ib data on the efficacy and safety of zanubrutinib, a novel, highly selective BTK inhibitor, in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Our meeting report describes the foregoing studies and presents interviews with investigators and commentaries by Canadian hematologists about potential effects on Canadian practice.
Full text download

Canadian Lung Cancer Conference 2017

Curr. Oncol. 2017, 24(4), 337-338; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.24.3660

The 2017 Canadian Lung Cancer Conference was held 9–10 February in Vancouver, British Columbia. Each year at this prestigious event, hundreds of professionals involved in lung cancer care come together to discuss new research, to learn about recent developments, and to collaborate and network with colleagues from across the country. This year’s meeting featured highly anticipated sessions, including resident education, multidisciplinary breakout sessions, debates, and an immuno-oncology symposium.
Full text download

ASCO 2017 Meeting Summary: Updates to Practice-Changing Studies in Untreated Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Curr. Oncol. 2017, 24(4), 262-370; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.24.3797

The 2017 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology took place in Chicago, Illinois, 2–6 June. At the meeting, results from key studies in the first-line treatment of indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL) were presented. Of those studies, two were selected for oral presentations: 9-year follow-up data from the STiL NHL1 trial, which compared the efficacy and safety of bendamustine plus rituximab (BR) with those of rituximab plus cyclophosphamide–vincristine–prednisone–doxorubicin (R-CHOP); and 5-year follow-up data from the bright study, which compared BR with R-CHOP and R-CVP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide–vincristine–prednisone) combined. Our meeting report describes the foregoing studies and includes interviews with key investigators, plus commentaries from three Quebec hematologists on the potential effects for Canadian practice.
Full text download

Moving Guidelines into Action: A Report from Cancer Care Ontario’s Event Let’s Get Moving: Exercise and Rehabilitation for Cancer Patients

Curr. Oncol. 2017, 24(1), 65-74; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.24.3422

The need for an improved understanding of the rehabilitation services landscape in Ontario and for promotion of Cancer Care Ontario’s newly developed Exercise for People with Cancer guideline brought Cancer Care Ontario’s Psychosocial Oncology and Survivorship Programs together to host a knowledge translation and exchange event. The primary objectives of the event were to understand recommendations from Cancer Care Ontario’s new exercise guideline, to discuss key considerations and determine strategies for the implementation of the guideline recommendations, and to explore the current state and future directions of cancer rehabilitation in Ontario. The event was attended by 124 stakeholders, including clinicians, allied health care professionals, administrators, patients, community partners, and academics representing each of the 13 regional cancer programs in Ontario. Attendees participated in two small-group activities that focused on determining the best approach for implementing the guideline recommendations into practice and discussing current barriers and the future state of cancer rehabilitation in Ontario. The activities allowed for networking and collaboration between attendees. The event provided an opportunity for the Psychosocial Oncology and Survivorship Programs to learn about the types of goals and plans that could be feasible in implementing the guideline in each region, and about ways to prioritize gaps in access to rehabilitation services and the types of implementation strategies that might be used to address the gaps. Overall, attendees were highly satisfied with the event, and the findings are being used to help inform research and practice activities with respect to guideline implementation and rehabilitation practice.
Full text download

Report on a Delphi Process and Workshop to Improve Accrual to Cancer Clinical Trials

Curr. Oncol. 2016, 23(2), 125-130; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.23.3110

Cancer clinical trials (ccts) are essential for furthering knowledge and developing effective interventions to improve the lives of people living with cancer in Canada. Randomized controlled trials are particularly important for developing evidence-based health care interventions. To produce robust and relevant research conclusions, timely and sufficient accrual to ccts is essential. The present report delivers the key recommendations emerging from a workshop meeting, Improve Accrual to Cancer Clinical Trials, that was hosted by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group and funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The meeting, which took place in Toronto, Ontario, in April 2012 before the Canadian Cancer Trials Group annual spring meeting, brought together key stakeholders from across Canada to explore creative strategies for improving accrual to ccts. The objectives of the workshop were to provide an opportunity for knowledge exchange with respect to the research evidence and the ethics theory related to cct accrual and to promote discussion of best practices and policies related to enhancing cct access and accrual in Canada. The workshop provided the foundation for establishing new interdisciplinary research collaborations to overcome the identified barriers to cct participation in Canada. Meeting participants also supported the development of evidence-based policies and practices to make trials more accessible to Canadians living with cancer.
Full text download

Use of the Word “Cured” for Cancer Patients—Implications for Patients and Physicians: The Siracusa Charter

Curr. Oncol. 2015, 22(1), 38-40; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.22.2287

Long-term survival for adult patients with solid tumours continues to increase. For some cancers, the possibility of recurrence after a number of years is extremely low, and the risk of death becomes similar to that of the general population of the same sex and age. During the Fifth European Conference on Survivors and Chronic Cancer Patients held in Siracusa, Italy, June 2014, oncologists, general practitioners, epidemiologists, cancer patients and survivors, and patient advocates joined to discuss the possible use of the term “cured” in reference to some adult patients with solid tumours. The specific focus was the appropriateness of using the term in communicating with cancer patients, survivors, and their families. Initial results of the discussion, in concert with a review of the published literature on the subject, were later further discussed by all participants through electronic communication. The resulting final statement aims to suggest appropriate ways to use the word “cured” in the clinical and communicative setting, to highlight the potential impact of the word on patients, and to open a critical discussion concerning this timely and delicate matter.
Full text download

Proffered Papers and Posters Submitted to the Fifth International Symposium on Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer, BRCA: Twenty Years of Advances

Curr. Oncol. 2014, 21(2), 358-391; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.21.2077

Objectives: It is estimated that 1–2% of individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) ancestry carry one of three pathogenic founder mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2. Targeted testing for these mutations (BRCA1 187delAG and 5385insC, and BRCA2 6174delT) is therefore recommended for all AJ breast and ovarian cancer patients, regardless of age of diagnosis or family history. Comprehensive analysis of both genes is recommended for a subset of AJ patients in whom founder mutations are not identified, but estimates of the yield from comprehensive analysis in this population vary widely. Methods: We sought to establish the proportion of non-founder mutations in AJ patients undergoing clinical testing in our laboratory from January 2006 through August 2013. Analysis included AJ patients for whom: (1) comprehensive testing was ordered as the initial test, or (2) founder mutation testing was ordered with instructions to “reflex” to comprehensive analysis if negative. The latter group was limited to cases where the reflex testing was ordered on the original test request form, and not cancelled for any reason other than the detection of a founder mutation. Results: The percentage of non-founder mutations detected in these groups was 13% (104/802) and 7.2% (198/2769) respectively. We detected 189 unique non-founder mutations, 76 in BRCA1 and 113 in BRCA2. BRCA2 4075delGT was detected in 15 patients. The next most common mutations, found in 7 patients each, were BRCA1 5055delG, BRCA2 1982delA, and BRCA2 R3128X. Conclusions: Non-founder mutations make up between 13% and 7.2% of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in patients reporting AJ ancestry. These numbers may represent underestimates if some patients were ascertained for testing based on the identification of a founder mutation in a relative. These numbers suggest that the prevalence of non-founder mutations in AJ individuals may be comparable to the prevalence of BRCA1/2 mutations in non-AJ individuals.
Full text download

Consensus Recommendations for Cancer Rehabilitation: Research and Education Priorities

Curr. Oncol. 2013, 20(1), 64-69; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.20.1277

As cancer survivorship increases, there is a need for additional and more complex rehabilitation services. The Partners in Cancer Rehabilitation Research group held a 3-day invitational working meeting aimed at defining the state of the science in cancer rehabilitation research and identifying key areas for development of research and education. In May 2012, 29 participants gathered to present their current work, review a synthesis of the current literature, generate ideas about research and education gaps, and develop consensus on priority areas. The conclusion of the meeting was that a main research priority is to develop and test personalized rehabilitation interventions and brief measures to identify the presence and severity of disabling sequelae. The education consensus statement concluded that a clear description of cancer rehabilitation and its mandate should be developed as a precursor to education activities, including both a conceptualization of complex interdisciplinary rehabilitation and the roles of individual professions, and further, that there is a great need to increase awareness among health professionals, patients, and families of the need for and general effectiveness of cancer rehabilitation. Numerous specific recommendations were also put forward, and it is hoped that those recommendations will provide the foundation for a new and productive era of research and will play a role in the improvement of functional health and participation outcomes for cancer survivors.
Full text download

Selected Abstracts Aubmitted to the 3rd International Cancer Fatigue Symposium

Curr. Oncol. 2012, 19(5), 371-373; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.19.1236

Quality of life (QOL) in survivors of premenopausal breast cancer (BC) is influenced by prolonged hormone therapy, secondary amenorrhea, and other factors. A proportion of premenopausal bc patients develop fatigue during follow-up. [...]
Full text download

Treatment Recommendations for the Use of Bone-Targeted Agents in 2011—Report from the 6th Annual Bone and the Oncologist New Updates Meeting

Curr. Oncol. 2012, 19(5), 364-370; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.19.1008

The 6th annual Bone and the Oncologist New Updates conference was held in Ottawa, Ontario, April 14–15, 2011. This meeting traditionally focuses on innovative research into the mechanisms and consequences of treatment-induced and metastatic bone disease. This year, the multidisciplinary audience was polled to produce “treatment recommendations for the use of bone-targeted agents.” In addition, the meeting report itself outlines some of the key topics presented on adjuvant bisphosphonate use and the role of bone-targeted agents in the settings of meta-static and cancer-therapy-induced bone loss.
Full text download

Selected Abstracts Submitted to the Fourth International Symposium on Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Curr. Oncol. 2012, 19(2), 84-111; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.19.1076

Background: Nearly 15% of DNA tests for BRCA1/2 results in the identification of an unclassified variant (UV). In DNA diagnostic laboratories in The Netherlands, a 4-group classification system (class I to IV) is in use (Bell et al.). Aim of this study was to investigate whether the UVs in different classes showed a significant difference in their in silico characteristics and would justify current differences in protocols for counselling with respect to communication to the counselees. Methods: Missense UVs in BRCA1/2 identified between 2002 and 2010 (n = 88) were analyzed. In silico analysis of UVs was performed using SIFT– analysis Grantham score and AGVGD for the predicted severity of amino acid substitutions. Each UV was classified to one of the four classes. Results: More than half of the UVs (n = 50) were predicted to be tolerated using SIFT-analysis. Accordingly, all these variants are scored as neutral (C0) by AGVGD. Of the remaining 38 UVs not tolerated using SIFT-analysis, 19 were scored as C0 (neutral), 8 were scored C15–C25 (intermediate) and 11 were scored C35 or higher (likely to be pathogenic). Although class III UVs more frequently show in silico parameter outcomes that are suspicious for a pathogenic effect, the observed differences are not absolute. Seven UVs classified in class II had similar in silico profiles with 7 UVs in class III. Conclusion: This study showed that, in general, in silico analysis is consistently applied and proved to be able to discriminate between the different classes of UVs. However, additional analyses will be required to classify the UVs with more accuracy. In order to reduce psychological distress in families in which a UV is identified, we propose that communication of a UV should not primarily depend on its class, but also on the possibility to perform additional research in the family.
Full text download

Extending Neoadjuvant Care through Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration: Proceedings from the Fourth Annual Meeting of the Canadian Consortium for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Curr. Oncol. 2012, 19(2), 106-114; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.19.1045

The use of systemic therapy before surgery (“neoadjuvant therapy”) is the standard of care for the treatment of locally advanced and nonoperable breast cancer. The advantages of neoadjuvant therapy include improved rates of breast-conserving surgery, the possibility of early measurement of response, and potentially improved outcomes for certain subgroups of high-risk patients. The use of neoadjuvant therapy in operable breast cancer is increasing, although there are no clear guidelines in Canada to help guide patient selection and management. Multidisciplinary experts in the diagnosis and treatment of locally advanced breast cancer (labc) converged at the fourth annual meeting of the Canadian Consortium for LABC (colab) to further their goals of improved standards for neoadjuvant care and clinical research through education and collaboration. Canadian clinical researchers were joined by Dr. Michael Untch of the Helios Hospital Berlin–Buch—representing the German neoadjuvant treatment groups German Gynecologic Oncology Working Group (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynakologische Onkologie) and German Breast Group—to discuss the advancement of research in the neoadjuvant setting and important issues of clinical care and investigator-led research. The group reached a consensus on the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, the use of clips to mark tumour location, and core biopsy testing for the estrogen and progesterone receptors and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 at the time of diagnosis. Other initiatives—including creation of a prospective database, inception of the colab Neoadjuvant Network, and development of a clinical survey to evaluate current practice—continue to further the colab mandate of transforming the neoadjuvant treatment landscape in Canada.
Full text download

First Annual Canadian Cardiac Oncology Network Conference

Curr. Oncol. 2011, 18(6), 295-300; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v18i6.968

The inaugural Canadian Cardiac Oncology Network conference was held at the Ottawa Convention Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, May 13, 2011. The learning objectives of the meeting were to: 1. understand and appreciate the importance of cardiac toxicity in the treatment of cancer patients; 2 review current guidelines, recommendations, and ways to prevent and treat cardiac toxicity in cancer patients; 3 develop potential research initiatives and collaboration across Canada. Although the cardiac toxicities associated with conventional systemic therapy agents are well established, the short- and long-term cardiac toxicities associated with targeted agents are less understood. In addition, the effects of exposing patients to multiple targeted therapies, and potentially compounding multiple cardiac toxicities, are unknown. This meeting report includes highlights from presentations at the conference.
Full text download

Canadian Initiatives for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Research and Treatment: Inaugural Meeting of the Canadian Consortium for LABC

Curr. Oncol. 2011, 18(3), 139-144; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v18i3.857

The inaugural Canadian Consortium for LABC (locally advanced breast cancer) conference was held at Langdon Hall, Cambridge, Ontario, April 11–12, 2010. The meeting focused on current and future directions in labc treatment and research, the specific benefits of labc as a model for clinical and translational research, strategies for increased national and international collaboration, and ongoing clinical trials. Exciting Canadian initiatives in labc research are underway, focusing on identifying molecular signatures that will allow for the development of new tailored therapies. The challenge of identifying patient subgroups for accrual is being addressed through strategies to foster and improve national collaboration. This meeting report includes highlights from each presentation at the conference.
Full text download

The Terry Fox Research Institute’s Ontario Dialogue: How Will Personalized Medicine Change Health Care?

Curr. Oncol. 2011, 18(1), 33-38; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v18i1.834

This is the final instalment in a series of three articles by the Terry Fox Research Institute about its pan-Canadian dialogue series, Cancer: Let’s Get Personal, a public research and outreach project undertaken in 2010. The dialogues served to launch a national and continuing conversation on personalized medicine with the medical and scientific communities and the public, including cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers. Participants at the Ontario dialogue, held in Toronto, October 18, 2010, discussed the challenges that Canadians and the health care system face as they move forward on a pathway created by advanced science and technology that will phenomenally transform cancer care and treatment. The one-size-fits-all approach to treating cancer patients is being rapidly eclipsed by an approach that treats patients and their tumours as individually as possible. As a result, a paradigm shift is occurring both in the laboratory and in the clinic, creating new approaches to conducting research and delivering treatment and care that place each and every patient—and tumour—at the centre of treatment. New approaches and practices in health care are necessary to ensure successful uptake and implementation of these advances for the benefit of all Canadians. Participating partners and supporters of the Ontario dialogue were the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research and the University Health Network.
Full text download

Selected Abstracts Submitted to the 2nd International Cancer Fatigue Symposium: Putting the Pieces Together

Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(5), 78-83; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i5.739

The opinions expressed in the abstracts are those of the authors and are not to be construed as the opinion of the publisher (Multimed Inc.), the organizers of the 2nd International Cancer Fatigue Symposium, or the University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing.[...]
Full text download

BONUS 5: 5th Annual Bone and The Oncologist New Updates

Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(4), 113-118; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i4.691

The 5th annual Bone and The Oncologist New Updates (BONUS 5) conference, held at the National Arts Center, Ottawa, April 8–9, 2010, focused on innovative research into the mechanisms and consequences of increased bone turnover in the benign and metastatic settings alike. This year there was also a debate over the controversial use of bisphosphonates as an adjuvant treatment in patients with early-stage breast cancer. This meeting report highlights a few of the topics presented.
Full text download

Eastern Canadian Colorectal Cancer Consensus Conference: Setting the Limits of Resectable Disease

Curr. Oncol. 2010, 17(3), 70-77; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v17i3.610

The annual Eastern Canadian Colorectal Cancer Consensus Conference was held in Montreal, Quebec, October 22–24, 2009. Health care professionals involved in the care of patients with colorectal cancer participated in presentation and discussion sessions for the purposes of developing the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses current issues in the management colorectal cancer, such as the management of hepatic and pulmonary metastases, the role of monoclonal antibodies to the epidermal growth factor receptor, and the benefits and safety of chemotherapy in elderly patients. The management of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours and gastric cancer are also discussed.
Full text download

Selected Abstracts Submitted to the Third International Symposium on Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Curr. Oncol. 2009, 16(5), 91-110; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v16i5.529

Background: Germline mutation screening of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is performed in suspected familial breast cancer cases, but a causative mutation is found in only 30% of patients. The development of additional methods to identify good candidates for BRCA1 and BRCA2 analysis would therefore increase the efficacy of diagnostic mutation screening. With this in mind, we developed a study to determine molecular signatures of BRCA1—or BRCA2—mutated breast cancers. Materials and Methods: Array-cgh (comparative genomic hybridization) and transcriptomic analysis were performed on a series of 103 familial breast cancers. The series included 7 breast cancers with a BRCA1 mutation and 5 breast cancers with a BRCA2 mutation. The remaining 91 cases were obtained from 73 families selected on the basis of at least 3 affected first-degree relatives or at least 2 affected first-degree relatives with breast cancer at an average age of 45 years. Array-cgh analyses were performed on a 4407 BAC-array (CIT-V8) manufactured by IntegraGen. Transcriptomic analyses were performed using an Affymetrix Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 chip. Results: Using supervised clustering analyses we identified two transcriptomic signatures: one for BRCA1-mutated breast cancers consisting of 600 probe sets and another for BRCA2-mutated breast cancers also consisting of 600 probes sets. We also defined cgh-array signatures, based on the presence of specific genomic rearrangements, one for BRCA1-mutated breast cancers and one for BRCA2-mutated breast cancers. Conclusions: This study identified molecular signatures of breast cancers with BRCA1 or BRCA2 germline mutations. Genes present in these signatures could be exploited to find new markers for such breast cancers. We also identified specific genomic rearrangements in these breast cancers, which could be screened for in a diagnostic setting using fluorescence in situ hybridization, thus improving patient selection for BRCA1 and BRCA2 molecular genetic analysis.
Full text download

The 4th Annual Ontario Thoracic Cancer Conference at Niagara-on-the-Lake

Curr. Oncol. 2009, 16(5), 111-119; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.v16i5.516

The 4th annual Ontario Thoracic Cancer Conference at Niagara-on-the-Lake focused on the themes of innovations in the management of lung cancer, controversies in the management of esophageal cancer, and molecular targeted therapies in lung cancer. This conference summary highlights the presentations and provides clinicians with a referenced update on these topics.
Full text download

Minds That Matter: 2007 Gairdner International Awards Lectures

Curr. Oncol. 2007, 14(6), 248-254; https://doi.org/10.3747/co.2007.160

On October 25 and 26, 2007, at the University of Toronto, the Gairdner Foundation in partnership with Canadian Institutes of Health Research presented a two-day international symposium titled Minds That Matter. The symposium featured academic lectures by Gairdner Award winners past and present and by other leading biomedical scientists. These distinguished researchers share many characteristics in common: creativity, vision, tenacity, and driving curiosity to illuminate discovery with high degree of relevance. The present article summarizes the 2007 Gairdner Award lectures.
Full text download

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Conference Reports

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI