Envisioning an “Own the Podium” Strategy for Cancer Immunotherapy in Canada
Sept. 27 2023 (virtual)
BioCanRx was pleased to host our free 2023 Public Forum in conjunction with our scientific conference – the Summit for Cancer Immunotherapy.
‘Own the Podium’ is the name of a strategy implemented in Canadian sports for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics to increase Canada’s number of podium finishes It worked so well for the program that an organization was created to continue to deliver on this very specific objective. This year’s Public Forum asks ‘could a similar approach be taken to increase the survival rate of Canadians diagnosed with cancer’? During the forum we’ll hear from a clinician scientist, a patient partner, and a scientist on how novel clinical trials and exciting science is aiming to achieve such lofty goals.
Key topics and themes covered:
- Introduction to cancer immunotherapy
- Why Canada should want to ‘Own the Podium’ in Cancer Immunotherapy
- Cancer research and innovation strategies from other countries (e.g., USA’s Cancer Moonshot Strategy)
- Case study example of bringing tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) therapies to Canada
- Patient perspective on a Canadian ‘Own the Podium’ strategy
- What is a clinical trial, and how do you access one?
Cancer Immunotherapies: New therapies on the horizon and future patient access
Nov. 15, 2022 (virtual)
In this virtual forum, we heard from a clinical trial doctor, a patient partner who has participated in a clinical trial and a scientist who will speak about the latest developments in immunotherapy cancer research and treatments. Key themes covered:
- What’s new and on the horizon for cancer immunotherapy
- How does the cancer immunotherapy treatment available in Canada rank against other countries
- Barriers for Canadian research – getting basic science to Clinical Trials
- The need to help government pinpoint the actions and approvals needed to focus their efforts and dollars
- What are the barriers and how can we improve Canadian patient access to cancer immunotherapy treatments & clinical trials
Understanding Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Trials in Canada: Are they Needed Now More than Ever?
Nov. 20, 2021 (virtual)
In this virtual forum, we heard from a clinical trial doctor, a patient partner who has participated in a clinical trial and a scientist who will speak about the latest developments in immunotherapy cancer research and treatments. Key themes covered:
- Value of clinical trials in making effective therapies available to patients
- How do cancer patients access clinical trials?
- How have clinical trials pivoted during COVID-19 and what are the impacts for future care?
- Conversations you can have with your physician
Link to recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-qyQqPvvQag
Cancer Immunotherapy: Game-Changing Research
October 22, 2019 – Victoria, BC
Dr. John Bell, BioCanRx’s Scientific Director, was joined by BioCanRx-funded researchers to discuss the game-changing potential of cancer immunotherapy research as part of the 2019 Summit for Cancer Immunotherapy held in Victoria, BC.
Immunotherapy: Game Changing Research in Alberta
October 24, 2018 – Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton
BioCanRx partnered with the Alberta Cancer Foundation for two public forums on immunotherapy in conjunction with the 2018 Summit for Cancer Immunotherapy in Banff, Alberta. The forums were held in Edmonton and Calgary.
Immunotherapy: A Cancer Treatment Game-Changer?
June 27, 2017 – Gatineau, Quebec
BioCanRx held a public forum and discussion to coincide with its 2017 Summit for Cancer Immunotherapy. The event gave members of the public an opportunity to separate fact from fiction by hearing the latest advances in cancer immunotherapy research from experts developing ground-breaking therapeutics that harness the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Expert panelists included Dr. John Bell, senior scientist at the Cancer Therapeutics Program, The Ottawa Hospital and BioCanRx Scientific Director and Dr. Marcus Butler, Clinical Head of the Immune Monitoring Team at The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Dr. Harold Atkins, Scientist, Cancer Therapeutics Program and Attending Physician, Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at The Ottawa Hospital. The forum gathering also heard firsthand from Ramona Bietlot, a patient who has benefitted from immunotherapy. Linda Eagen, President & CEO of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, moderated the event.
Watch the public forum here:
Hype or Reality: Can our immune system actually beat cancer?
June 27, 2016 – Halifax, NS
BioCanRx held a public forum at its first annual Summit for Cancer Immunotherapy. The event offered members of the public an opportunity to separate fact from fiction by hearing the latest advances in cancer immunotherapy research from experts developing ground-breaking therapeutics that harness the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Audience members heard from a patient who benefited from immunotherapy and had the opportunity to ask about immunotherapy clinical trials in the Halifax region.
