Medical Oncology

The Division of Medical Oncology focuses on systemic therapy for patients with cancer. We are actively involved in improving the outcome of patients through research and quality improvement programs. Members of the Division are responsible for education and training of undergraduate and postgraduate students and the continuous professional development of practitioners.

Our research programs range from basic, bench-top research to clinical bedside research. In addition, there are translational research programs and active drug development research protocols. We are leaders in the establishment of tissue banking and research on these samples and collaborate on local, national and international studies.

medical oncology

Residency Training Program

 

Members of the Division of Medical Oncology participate in many aspects of cancer research, spanning preclinical models of cancer and drug resistance, translational efforts bringing biomarkers and new drugs to patients, clinical trials, and outcomes research. Areas of research strength include:

Biomarkers relating to drug efficacy and toxicity
Our medical oncologists work closely with members of the Divisions of Experimental Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Urology, to understand and treat prostate cancer.
Biology and Therapy of Hematological Malignancies
This group studies the biology of myeloma and lymphoma in collaboration with the Divisions of Clinical Hematology, the Division of Experimental Oncology and Cell Biology.
Biology and Therapy of Prostate Cancer
Our medical oncologists work closely with members of the Divisions of Experimental Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Urology, to understand and treat prostate cancer.
The Cross Cancer Institute Clinical Trials Unit
This team of qualified investigators leads a staff of seventy in the design and conduct of clinical trials spanning all phases of therapeutic development. It places approximately 650 patients on intervention studies each year. It routinely leads global study recruitment efforts due to the dedication and skills of its staff and the willingness of Albertans to volunteer for new treatments.
Phase I Clinical Trials
We have four medical oncologists dedicated to testing new drugs in patients where standard therapy has proven ineffective. This team puts nearly one hundred patients on such studies annually, and is increasingly recognized as one of Canada's most effective oncology drug development teams.