Lab Notes November 2024
Hi everyone, this is Yvonne! As the days get shorter and the chill settles in, I hope you’re staying cozy as we wrap up November and welcome December. Here’s a recap of what happened this month!
Study Updates
CLEAN Wound Trial: Patient Enrollment Progress
As a brief reminder, we are doing this trial to evaluate what the best way of washing a surgery incision is to reduce the risk of it getting infected. In our October newsletter, we shared the exciting news that the Shared Health Manitoba site was activated for patient enrollment. We have made significant progress since then, and have now recruited 29 patients!
AYA Breast Cancer Study (in collaboration with Team Shan)
We’re happy to share that we’ve received final approval for our study titled “Breast Cancer in Young Women: Self-Identified Educational Needs for Healthcare Professionals in Manitoba, Canada”. We are doing this study in collaboration with Team Shan, a Canadian charity founded by Lorna Larsen in memory of her daughter, Shanna, who tragically passed away from metastatic breast cancer at the age of 24. You can learn about Team Shan’s incredible work here: Team Shan - Breast cancer awareness for young women.
Here’s a quick recap of the study: We’re exploring the knowledge gaps and educational needs of healthcare professionals in Manitoba when it comes to breast cancer in AYA women. Our goal is to develop tailored educational interventions that improve early detection.
Currently, we’re pilot testing the survey we’ve developed on REDCap, the platform that will host the final survey. We’re seeking individuals to help us with this pilot testing. If you’d like to participate, you can find our survey here (REDCap link).
Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us. Please feel free to share your thoughts by filling out our Pilot Feedback Form here (Google Form link). If you prefer to not complete the Google Form, you are welcome to provide your feedback directly to myself via email (paglicay@myumanitoba.ca). Alternatively, I would be happy to discuss any feedback over a phone or video call if that would be more convenient.
If you’re interested or know someone who might be, please reach out to us via email at teamshan@gmail.com or Megan.Delisle@umanitoba.ca. Your input is crucial to making our study a success!
Manitoba Biobanking Initiative
We recently conducted an inquiry into the current state of bio-specimen handling at the Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba. We have compiled our findings and recommendations in this report. The findings and recommendations in this report underscore the need for key improvements. These improvements will not only streamline the handling of bio-specimens but also ensure that research is conducted efficiently and ethically, with the interests of key stakeholders—including patients—at the forefront. By adopting these recommendations, Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba can contribute to life-saving breakthroughs.
We have recently engaged in discussions with clinicians and researchers across the University of Manitoba to share what we have learned through the inquiry. We have gained approval to start approaching patients to obtain their consent and collect their samples in the following cancer types: pediatric brain cancer and colorectal cancer. We are in the process of obtaining approvals for breast cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer and sarcoma. We will soon be able to enroll these patients into molecular profiling of their cancers for access to cutting-edge treatments!
Spotlight on Noona: Insights from the HSR Lab Partnership Meeting
During our HSR Lab Partnership Meeting on November 26, 2024, one of the key topics of discussion was the MyCare Noona Patient App.
About Noona
Noona is a digital tool (mobile app, website) that helps patients manage their health information and stay connected with their care teams. The app provides several features to support patients including:
Sending messages to their care team
Viewing appointments
Receiving messages, announcements (e.g. webinars, conferences) and educational resources from their care team
Responding to questionnaires between visits
Using a personal online diary to track symptoms
Coming Soon: Direct access to laboratory results and more!
To download the Noona App, click on a store button
For more information about how to get started with the MyCare Noona Patient App, visit CancerCare Manitoba: MyCare Noona Patient App or watch Introducing the MyCare Noona App.
In the News
CCTG welcomes new Patient Representative Sally Nystrom who will be supporting the CCTG Melanoma Committee
We are pleased to highlight Sally Nystrom, who was recently introduced as a Patient Representative with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG)! You can read more about Sally’s journey and her new role in the official announcement here: Introducing Patient Representative Sally Nystrom | Canadian Cancer Trials Group.
Meet Cynthia Mitchell
Synopsis: In 2021, Cynthia Mitchell experienced heartburn. This might not have been a problem, but the heartburn persisted. She eventually underwent an ultrasound, which revealed a mass on her liver. Further tests revealed she had Stage 2B Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma, a form of bile duct cancer. Cynthia underwent a successful surgical procedure, a liver resection, but a year later, the cancer came back, and it was restaged as Stage 4. She took Xelota, an oral chemotherapy. The cancer was brought under control, but she has learned the cholangiocarcinoma will always be with her. Cynthia is not as physically active as she was before her diagnosis, but she still is able to exercise and leads a happy life with her husband and two children.
She is featured here in Cancer Interviews: Cynthia Mitchell Cholangiocarcinoma Warrior Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Cynthia is currently an Ambassador for the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation! Her inspiring journey and dedication to supporting those impacted by cancer make her a powerful voice for our community.
To learn more about Cynthia and her story, visit CCMB Foundation’s Ambassador page. You can also stay connected with her on Instagram (@cynthiarosemitchell), where she continues to share her journey.
Plenary Abstract Presentation Session - 2025 Research Month
We’re excited to announce that Maziar Fazel Darbandi (incoming MSc student) and Dana Inglis (Medical student) had their abstracts accepted for presentation at the Annual Department of Surgery Research Month: Virtual Plenary Abstract Presentation Session! The session will take place on January 29, 2025 from 8 AM to 9 AM.
Congratulations to Maziar and Dana on this well-deserved recognition! 👏
Upcoming Events
Shine a Light
We’re thrilled to share that this December, CancerCare Manitoba’s Shine a Light display will once again illuminate the lives of those impacted by cancer while raising essential funds to support vital programs.
Here’s a quick recap from our October newsletter:
1,250 Lights to Shine: Each light represents someone we cherish–in memory, in honour today, or as a symbol of gratitude for the care provided. These lights will be displayed at the CancerCare Manitoba building at 675 McDermot Ave.
Lighting Ceremony: The lights will be turned on December 2, 2024 at 5 PM. If you’ve dedicated a light to someone, consider inviting them to this meaningful event, if you haven’t already notified them via card.
How to Get Involved
Make a Donation: With a $100 donation, a light will shine throughout December to honour or remember a loved one.
Send a Personalized Message: Let your honouree know you’re thinking of them! Card options include: (a) electronic, (b) printed, and (c) print your own to share at a special moment.
Act Quickly: Secure a light early to avoid missing out.
We’d love for you to join us this year and “shine a light” to make a difference! For more information, including answers to FAQs, check out Shine a Light this December for someone you cherish. - CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
If you would like to share your Shine a Light story, please contact us by phone at 204-787-4143 or by email at specialevents@cancercare.mb.ca.
Call for Applications: American Association for Cancer Research Scientist↔Survivor Program®
Calling all patient partners in cancer research! CIHR Institute of Cancer Research (CIHR-ICR) is partnering with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) again this year to co-sponsor patient partners from Canada to participate in the 2025 AACR Scientist↔Survivor Program (SSP). The ACR-SSP is being held in Chicago, Illinois at the McCormick Place Convention Center from April 25-30, in conjunction with AACR’s 2025 Annual Meeting, “Unifying Cancer Science and Medicine: A Continuum of Innovation for Impact”.
The AACR-SSP Program bridges the gap between cancer researchers, and survivor and patient advocates. This program provides advocates with a platform to share their perspectives while learning about the recent advances in cancer research and treatment. Through this program, participants will have the opportunity to:
Develop a stronger understanding of cancer research and recent advances
Participate in special lay language lectures, small group discussions, and other interactions that provide a solid background for exploring scientific sessions at the annual meeting
Who Should Apply: The AACR-SSP is for survivor and patient advocates who…
Actively support cancer research through advocacy or outreach
Can share what they learn with their community
Have ways to educate others about the program’s insights
Are able to present an advocate poster during the AACR Annual Meeting
Are able to participate in all components of the multi-day in-person program
How to Apply: To apply, submit the AACR-CIHR Online Application Form by Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 11:50 PM ET.
If you are interested in applying, please let us know and we can help support you!!
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please visit Call for Applications: American Association for Cancer Research Scientist↔Survivor Program - CIHR or contact the CIHR Institute of Cancer Research at cihr.icr@uhn.ca.
For more information about the AACR-SSP or the 2025 AACR Annual Meeting, please visit the following links:
If you want to add something to our monthly newsletter, please email us at Megan.Delisle@umanitoba.ca.
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