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Patients as Research Partners

Integrated patient engagement model

CCTG uses an integrated patient engagement model that includes the patient voice in all aspects of cancer clinical trial development. A Patient Representative is not only involved in answering the scientific questions that clinical trials ask, they play an essential role on CCTG’s national disease site committee as participating members who contribute to the development and delivery of the cancer research questions. Patient Representatives ensure that patient centred outcomes included in CCTG cancer clinical trials.

A Current Oncology publication outlining the incorporation of patient engagement in the development of clinical trial at CCTG: Integrating Patient Centred Research in the Canadian Cancer Trials Group

Patient-oriented research refers to research that engages patients as partners, focuses on patient-identified priorities and improves patient outcomes. This research, conducted by multidisciplinary teams in partnership with stakeholders, aims to apply the knowledge generated to improve health care systems and practices. – msfhr.org - Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research

Patient engagement in clinical trail research is two-fold:

  1. Trial Participant – the human participant in the trial
  2. Patient Representative – developing and delivering the research question, ensuring: patient feasibility, outcomes that matter to patients

There are several touch points where a Patient Representative provides input as members of Scientific, Oversight and Support Committees. They are actively involved at key junctures of the CCTG Clinical Trial life cycle: Development, Review/Approval, Protocol and Consent Development, Accrual and Data Collection and at the time of Permanent Closure.

lay representative committee

 new patient representative Tracey Kitz

Welcome to new patient representative Tracey Kitz

Join us in welcoming a new patient representative, Tracey Kitz who will be supporting the Hematology Committee.

Tracy Kitz is an optometrist living in Edmonton, Alberta, who dedicates herself to understanding and meeting the needs of her patients every day. In 2009, her mother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, followed by a stem cell transplant in 2014. 

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workshop on patient engagement in clinical trials

Spring Meeting 2025 - Engaging Patient Representatives in CCTG Clinical Trials

If you are attending the CCTG Spring Meeting #CCTG2025 don't forget to drop by the open workshop and education session on engaging patient representatives in CCTG clinical trials. This accredited workshop takes place on Friday April 25, 10:30-12pm in the Seymour room at the Chelsea Hotel.

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The innovative ME17 melanoma trial has opened to enrollment

The innovative ME17 melanoma trial has opened to enrollment

One of the world’s largest randomized clinical trials, investigating the use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has opened in Canada.

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Patient Representative Committee - goodby to Judy Needham  Michelle Audoin has accepted the role of Chair

Hello and Goodbye: CCTG Patient Representative Committee leadership changes

Change often comes with both excitement and the inevitable goodbye. 

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