ANNOUNCEMENTS / NEWS

Osler is the fifth cancer program in Canada to join the PM Cancer Care Network, a collective of local, regional, and national partners committed to facilitating collaborative clinical care, accelerating the adoption of new technologies, engaging more patients in research through improved access to clinical trials and advancing innovations which improve patient outcomes and provide confidence and comfort that the best care can be achieved close to home.

“This partnership will provide seamless transition for patients to receive care close to home, enhance education opportunities and collaborate on clinical trials,” said Dr. Frank Martino, President and CEO of William Osler Health System. “As cancer service needs grow in our community, we are committed to ensuring quality care is available locally.”
Dr. Keith Stewart, Vice President of Cancer at University Health Network and Director of Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, said, “We are proud to announce this partnership, which will break down barriers to provide seamless access to cutting-edge clinical trials, advanced molecular testing and knowledge transfer.”

PM, one of the top five cancer research centres in the world, is proud of its record in education, research, patient care and innovation, with cancer research funding reaching more than $285-million in 2023. PM published more than 1,200 peer-reviewed publications in 2023 and its staff and scientists received numerous awards and honours. PM’s recent innovations include: early-stage cancer diagnoses through genetic testing; engaging in exciting partnerships to advance mRNA medicines to improve cancer therapies; advances in machine learning and the launch of a UHN centre in artificial intelligence. PM has one of the world’s largest clinical trials program, with more than 20 per cent of patients in clinical trials, and the largest radiation medicine program in Canada. It recently added the Halcyon linear accelerator to its fleet of state-of-the art radiation machines to deliver high-precision radiotherapy to patients.

Osler has a large and growing oncology clinical trials program that offers novel anti-cancer therapeutics and was proud to be the first to offer rapid comprehensive tumour genetic testing through next-generation sequencing (NGR). Osler’s Early Lung Cancer Detection Program is the longest-running community hospital program in Canada and is only one of three European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) designated centres for integrative palliative care in Canada. The ESMO Designated Centres Accreditation Programme, recognizes cancer centres that provide highly integrated oncology and palliative care services, with the goal of improving research, education and clinical practice by setting standards for service development.

This exciting partnership between Osler and PM Cancer Care Network represents the evolution of valuable resource and skill sharing to benefit patients from both organizations. For more information on the partnership and Osler’s cancer care program

The project will run for 1 year and follow each patient for 6 months. It includes a comprehensive assessment by a NP, the development of a survivorship care plan, dissemination of patient education materials, and resource matching and referrals. By fostering collaborative clinical care, enhancing system efficiencies, optimizing resource allocation, and promoting equitable access, this initiative will significantly contribute to advancing the field of breast cancer survivorship.

The Cancer Centre at Oak Valley Health is a growing program with 14 systemic therapy chairs, supported by five medical oncologists, two malignant haematologists and three nurse practitioners, as well as a strong inter-professional team. The clinic has seen an 11-14% per cent annual increase in patient volumes, with growth across most care bundles. Oak Valley Health prides itself on its partnerships with regional and tertiary centers, which supports ongoing academic excellence, quality, and safety for patients and families. Oak Valley Health supports timely access to care for all of our patients close to home and with a family and patient-centered approach.

The partnership will facilitate easier access to resources that support complex cases or rare tumours; priority access and support for research; provision of patient, family, and caregiver resources in a variety of languages; and educational materials, resources, and courses for health care providers, patients, families and caregivers.

“We are excited to join the Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network so that our staff and physicians have access to resources which will help them continue providing the best possible care to cancer patients in Newfoundland and Labrador,” says Dr. Teri Stuckless, Clinical Chief, Provincial Cancer Care Program, NL Health Services.

“By collaborating with Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, we will enhance access to expert consultation and advice, provide opportunities for education and research, and enable co-operation with national and global experts in the field of oncology.”

NL Health Services is the third partner organization to join the PM Cancer Care Network. The other members are Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ont. and Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, Ont.

“This is an opportunity to broaden the many already existing collaborations between the oncology teams in Newfoundland and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre,” says Dr. Andrea Bezjak, a radiation oncologist and Medical Director of the PM Cancer Care Network.

NL Health Services’ Provincial Cancer Care Program is responsible for providing services to cancer patients throughout the province, including the operations of the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre in St. John’s and the regional cancer care centres in Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor and Gander. The program provides chemotherapy, follow-up care and supportive services in several other sites across the province, as well, including tele-oncology services, which provides care to patients closer to home.