Renewed support for Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Network to bring cutting-edge cancer therapies to more Canadians

Funding from the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer to support academic cancer clinical trials and remove barriers for Canadians to participate

July 26, 2022 (Toronto) – The Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Network (3CTN) today welcomed renewed funding from the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (the Partnership).

OICR will provide funding of $2 million per year over four years and the Partnership will contribute $1.4 million per year over five years. This funding will allow 3CTN to continue its successful work in improving the environment for academic cancer clinical trials, helping to advance practice-changing cancer research in Canada and ensuring that more patients will have access to potentially life-saving therapies made available through interventional clinical trials. Specifically, the funding will support 3CTN’s achievement of key objectives under its 2022-27 strategic plan, including:

  • Improving recruitment to 3CTN’s Portfolio of clinical trials at sites across Canada through increased awareness and reducing barriers faced by patients in accessing suitable clinical trial options, including those from underserved populations.
  • Promoting the efficient conduct of academic cancer clinical trials through access to a robust trial performance reporting framework, available best-practice resources, education, training and involvement in strategic initiatives to address common challenges.
  • Continuing to optimize the 3CTN trial Portfolio to address stakeholder priorities.
  • Incorporating robust patient and public involvement as well as frameworks and processes that align with principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into clinical trial planning and conduct across the national network.

“I am thankful for the renewed support of OICR and the Partnership which will allow us to continue working with our partner cancer centres across the country to see that more-and-more Canadians have access to the next generation of cancer therapies,” says Dr. Janet Dancey, Scientific Director of 3CTN. “We have made great strides in our mission to bolster academic cancer clinical trials in Canada and to eliminate barriers for patients to participate. The entire 3CTN community is thrilled to continue this work to make a true difference for those with cancer.”

“Clinical trials are an important part of improving cancer care and critical to cancer research. We are proud to continue to support 3CTN’s efforts which have already made a positive impact in the lives of many Canadians,” says Dr. Christine Williams, Executive Vice President and Head of Implementation Science at OICR. “It is essential that underserved Canadians have access to clinical trials to create a more equitable cancer care system and ensure that everyone benefits from advancements in cancer research.”

“3CTN’s work is central to delivering cancer care that is innovative and responsive to the needs of all people in Canada who are affected by cancer,” says Dr. Craig Earle, CEO of the Partnership. “Advancing cancer research, increasing access to clinical trials for adolescents and young adults with cancer, and providing remote access to these trials for those living in rural and remote areas are all key initiatives that will help achieve health equity in Canada. The Partnership is pleased to continue its support of 3CTN and expand access to clinical trials.”

About the Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Network

Established at OICR in 2014, 3CTN is a not-for-profit, pan-Canadian initiative aimed at supporting and improving the efficient delivery of academic cancer clinical trials through funding, resources and advocacy to improve the trial environment and patient access. Funding support for 3CTN operations is provided by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. Core funding and in-kind support for 3CTN member cancer centres are provided by provincial cancer agencies.

About the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research

OICR is a collaborative, not-for-profit research institute funded by the Government of Ontario. We conduct and enable high-impact translational cancer research to accelerate the development of discoveries for patients around the world while maximizing the economic benefit of this research for the people of Ontario. For more information visit http://www.oicr.on.ca. The views expressed are those of OICR and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Province of Ontario.

Media contact

Hal Costie

Senior Communications Officer

Ontario Institute for Cancer Research

hcostie@oicr.on.ca 647-963-5289

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