Patient Advocates

A patient-focused research model

Patients make research better

At BioCanRx, we know that patient and caregiver voices improve research. By connecting researchers and patients through our Learning Institute and funding projects that improve the design of new therapies and inform the social and economic impacts of new therapies we promote patient partnerships as an essential part of the journey from the lab bench to the bedside and healthcare system.

Interested in joining our work as a patient or caregiver advocate?

Learn more about cancer immunotherapy, apply for the Learning Institute, or learn more about getting involved with cancer immunotherapy research.

What is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a revolutionary approach that trains your own immune system to spot and destroy cancer cells, rather than relying solely on drugs or radiation to destroy tumors. There are many different kinds of immunotherapies. Some train your T-cells (a type of immune cell) to recognize and kill tumours and others that re-train viruses to attack cancer cells.

Stories from the Clinic: In Their Own Words

“At my check-up 30 days after getting my T-cells back, I was almost clear of cancer. The scan showed that there was almost nothing left. I was gobsmacked.”

“Even if the cancer comes back, this has given me precious time, and I know the research will help many others. It has given me a fighting chance.”

“I was one of just five people in Ottawa to access the PD-1 trial. It’s helped my immune system recognize and fight my cancer, shrinking the tumor and keeping it under control. I wouldn’t be here today without it.”

Researchers and Patients: A Shared Success

Connecting patients and caregivers with researchers improves the development of cancer therapies. Patients provide invaluable feedback on therapeutic outcomes and important systemic issues including accessibility, appeal, and affordability of these lifesaving treatments.

Find opportunities to get involved

Your healthcare team can help you find a cancer clinical trial in Canada and you can consult provincial and national resources like the Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Group (CCTG).

Canadian Cancer Trials Group – CCTG

The CCTG supports phase I-III cancer clinical research trials in Canada and internationally. Visit the CCTG website to learn more about current CCTG trials.

BioCanRx funded Clinical Trials

Increasing the number of cancer immunotherapy clinical trials in Canada is at the core of our mission. Learn more about the clinical trials we have funded and the researchers behind them.

Cancer Trials Canada

A simple way to search and explore cancer clinical trials in Canada, with clear information to help patients and families understand their options.

The BioCanRx Cancer Community Partnership (CCP)

The BioCanRx Cancer Community Partnership (CCP) is a consortium of charities and non-government organizations that are focused on cancer research, advocacy, and support for patients and their families.

Patient & Caregiver Support

Find trusted organizations offering guidance, emotional support, and resources for those affected by cancer.

Education & Advocacy

Explore programs that raise awareness, share knowledge, and strengthen community involvement in cancer care.

Connecting Through Education

The Learning Institute

The BioCanRx-Cancer Community Partnership Learning Institute brings together leaders from oncology patient communities and academic scholars from the immunotherapy research community to engage in interactive and collaborative knowledge exchange activities at the annual Summit for Cancer Immunotherapy.

Our Research Process

Cancer Community Partnership

About BioCanRx

Bringing research to patients

BioCanRx funds research that brings cutting edge, targeted cancer therapies to Canadian patients.