CAPhO has made every effort to ensure that information included within this podcast episode is accurate at the time of production. The information cannot substitute for the advice or direction of a health care professional, and the association makes no guarantees, nor can it assume any legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of such information or for any damage incurred directly or indirectly from the information.

This episode of the CAPhO Connections Podcast is sponsored by Apobiologix.

Go behind the scenes with two steering committee members to highlight the HOPE Awards and the ABC course, two key initiatives sponsored by the Apobiologix Partnership Program. They'll share an insider's perspective on celebrating six years of excellence and building the foundational skills needed to advance oncology pharmacy practice across Canada.

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain insights from steering committee members on the vision and impact of fostering professional development within Canadian oncology pharmacy, through the Apobiologix Partnership Program (APP).
2. Explore the purpose and evolution of the HOPE Awards through the personal experiences of the committee members and understand its role in celebrating excellence and innovation among pharmacists, technicians, and DANs.
3. Identify the unmet need for standardized oncology education among Canadian pharmacists and explain how the Addressing Basics in Cancer (ABC) program serves as a direct solution by providing essential, practical training.
4. Outline the key steps and criteria for participating in both the HOPE Awards and the ABC course, empowering listeners to engage with these valuable initiatives.

Guests:

Tina Crosbie

Tina Crosbie is a clinical hematology pharmacist at The Ottawa Hospital’s ambulatory hematology unit. With over 25 years of experience, she counsels patients diagnosed with lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and acute and chronic leukemia. For the past six years, Tina is also a hematology pharmacist at Extend Pharmacy; a community oncology-focused pharmacy. Here she supports patients in managing their take-home anti-cancer therapy. Tina’s research aims to optimize drug administration and enhance patient education. She evaluates pharmacy education programs for CCCEP and is a conference planning committee member for CAPhO Con 2026 taking place April 2026 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Scott Edwards

Scott Edwards is currently the Clinical Oncology Pharmacy Specialist at the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Center in St. John’s, Newfoundland. He is also an assistant professor at the School of Pharmacy and the Discipline of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland. He is active in clinical cancer research in the area of chemotherapy toxicities, supportive care and oral chemotherapy adherence. He graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a B.Sc. (Neuroscience) in 1994 and a B.Sc (Pharmacy) in 1997. In 2005, he graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Washington. He completed a Master’s degree in Oncology from Newcastle University in 2015.

Learn more about the HOPE Awards.

Learn more about the ABC Program.

Precision oncology is advancing cancer care, turning one-size-fits-all treatment into tailored therapy designed for each patient’s unique genetic blueprint. For oncology pharmacists, this opens new possibilities to lead in matching the right drug, dose, and patient at the right time. In this episode, we explore how pharmacists can decode the genomic puzzle, navigate biomarker-driven decisions, and drive innovation in personalized cancer care. Get ready to discover why precision pharmacy isn’t just the future, it is happening now!

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the evolving role of oncology pharmacists in biomarker-guided therapy and precision oncology decision-making.
• Identify pharmacy-led innovations in personalized cancer care and their application in diverse practice settings.
• Evaluate strategies to integrate genomic and biomarker data into pharmacy workflows while managing operational challenges.
• Assess the impact of precision oncology on outcomes, safety, and resource use, highlighting the pharmacist’s role.
• Outline practical steps for pharmacists to lead precision oncology initiatives through collaboration, education, and research.

Guest: Dr. Mya Tran

Dr. Mya Tran, PharmD, BCOP, is a Precision Oncology Clinical Pharmacist at Indiana University Health Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. Since joining the IU Precision Genomics program in 2022, she specializes in genomic analysis and targeted therapies for solid tumors, particularly lung cancer, while standardizing biomarker testing protocols

Resources Referenced:

- Podcasts: Research to Practice, Onc Brothers, Illumina Genomics Podcast

- Virtual MTBs:

• Caris (https://www.carislifesciences.com/caris-resources/caris-molecular-tumor-board/ or email Ricci Sheridan at RSheridan@carisls.com)
• NCCN (https://education.nccn.org/tumorboards#group-tabs-node-course-default1)

- GenomeWeb (webinars, resources, and archived vMTBs)

- Targeted Oncology

- Precision Oncology News newsletter

- ACCP/HOPA PGx Certificate Course

- Harvard HMX Pro Genetics - Cancer Genomics and Precision Oncology Certificate Course

- AMP (especially webinars and "Molecular in My Pocket" reference cards)

Could the secret to optimizing immunotherapy success lie in the gut flora? Emerging research reveals how the microbiome influences cancer treatment response, toxicity, and overall health outcomes. Join us as we explore how gut health, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and pharmacy practice are coming together to transform cancer care. Get ready to rethink the future of immunotherapy from the inside out!Learning Objectives:

• Explore the influence of the gut microbiome on immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy, toxicity, and overall immuno-oncology outcomes, with a focus on emerging evidence.
• Evaluate the impact of gut-disrupting factors, including antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, and other medications on ICI treatment response and adverse events.
• Discuss current and emerging microbiome modulation strategies, such as dietary interventions, prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplants, to enhance ICI outcomes and manage toxicity.
• Identify practical recommendations for oncology pharmacists to promote microbiome health through medication stewardship, dietary counseling, and collaboration with the care team to optimize ICI therapy.

About the Guest: Dr. Arielle Elkrief:

Dr. Arielle Elkrief MD, FRCPC is a clinician-scientist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Oncology at the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM). She was recruited to the CRCHUM in 2023 and directs her research laboratory focused on the gut and tumor microbiome as a biomarker of response to immunotherapy. She is also co-Director of the CHUM Microbiome Centre where she leads microbiome-centered clinical trials combining microbiome interventions such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), prebiotics, and diet. In addition, she contributed to establishing the negative impact of antibiotics on immunotherapy activity in patients with cancer. She was recently awarded the American Society of Clinical Oncology Young Investigator Award and the Society of Immunotherapy of Cancer-Melanoma Research Alliance Women in Melanoma Award.

Pediatric oncology pharmacy calls for precision, compassion, and innovation to deliver safe, effective, and personalized care for young patients battling cancer. In Ontario, care is uniquely coordinated through the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO), supporting equitable access to specialized therapies and clinical trials. This episode takes a closer look at acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common childhood cancer, and explores how pharmacists navigate complex dosing, formulation challenges, and evolving treatments. Discover how oncology pharmacists shape hope, transform therapy, and change the lives of young patients and their families.

Learning Objectives:

- Describe how pediatric oncology care is coordinated through the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) and its impact on equitable access to specialized treatments and clinical trial participation across the province.

- Explain how treatment design is tailored and influenced, including the use of intensive regimens, off-label therapies, and long-term survivorship planning.

- Outline the key phases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment and discuss how evolving risk stratification and the introduction of agents such as blinatumomab have changed pharmacy practice, including drug administration, monitoring, and funding considerations.

- Identify strategies pharmacists use to monitor, prevent, and manage early and long-term toxicities, such as steroid-induced myopathy and vincristine-induced neuropathy and to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

- Discuss the future of pediatric oncology pharmacy, including innovations in molecularly targeted and immune-based therapies, and the pharmacist’s role in advancing access, safety, and advocacy for young patients and their families.

Podcast Guest: Matthew Bui

Artificial Intelligence(AI) has the potential to transform oncology pharmacy by offering powerful tools to streamline workflows, support clinical decision-making, optimize treatment planning, and enable safer, more personalized care. However, with great potential comes important challenges related to regulation, reliability, and the need for ongoing professional development. Tune in as we explore the opportunities, limitations, and evolving impact of AI in cancer pharmacy practice!

Learning Objectives:

• Examine the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on oncology pharmacists in supporting clinical decision-making and workflow efficiency
• Analyze key regulatory issues related to AI integration in oncology pharmacy, including impacts on clinical roles and data privacy in patient care
• Explore the challenges and opportunities AI presents for the professional development and future skills of oncology pharmacists

The BOPA AI Webinar Series will be available to CAPhO members after the CAPhO 2026 Conference. A link to the series will be added here once released.

Guests:Bastiaan BuijtenhuijsBastiaan is Head of Product at iQ HealthTech and ProductOwner for iQemo, a leading SACT prescribing system used in the UK and internationally. He completed the NHS Digital Academy (Cohort 3) and MSc in AI for oncology pharmacy, and has recently begun a PhD in applied clinical AI.

Sean Hopkins

Sean Hopkins is a pharmacist with more than 25 years of experience in hospital pharmacy, including over 20 years in outpatient ambulatory oncology clinics. He has served as a front-line pharmacist at The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, worked as a Breast Cancer Clinical Specialist for three years, and later became the Professional Practice Coordinator for Oncology Pharmacy. He also served as the Manager of Oncology Pharmacy at the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, where he additionally held an interim role as Director of the Cancer Program during the recruitment of a permanent Director. He is currently the QI Pharmacist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

In Part 1 of our medical cannabis in cancer series, guest Marie Parish discussed the rising interest of patients with cancer to explore and use cannabinoids medicinally, shedding light on emerging dosage forms and providing practical education points for patients. Oncology pharmacists are positioned optimally to help patients with cancer navigate medical cannabis or find reliable information about it. In this Part 2 episode, Carlo De Angelis will take you inside Sunnybrook’s pharmacist-led Cannabis Consultation Service, which has been in existence since 2019. Join us for an insightful episode where Carlo’s expertise shines! He delves into the motivations driving patients' interest in medical cannabis, highlights key safety considerations, and shares practical strategies to support responsible cannabis use. Discover the intricacies of implementing a pharmacist-led, patient-centred cannabis consultation service, as Carlo discusses both its challenges and triumphs. If you’re in oncology pharmacy and looking to deepen your understanding of this evolving area in cancer care, this episode is a must-listen!

Learning Objectives:

• Explore why cancer patients may be increasingly curious about plant-based cannabinoids and explore the specific symptoms or side effects they hope to manage
• Describe the structure of the Cannabis Consultation Service, including referral pathways, standardized assessment tools, team roles, typical titration, and follow up practices
• Examine the processes of implementing a pharmacist-led cannabis consultation service in an institution, from selecting suitable products to addressing clinician hesitancy, evidence gaps, and patient safety concerns.
• Consider how cannabis evidence generation and broader collaboration may evolve cancer care symptom management over the next decade
• Establish the role of the oncology pharmacist for patients using medical cannabis, and justify why a pharmacist-led service addresses many gaps in care

Publication: Marchese M, Zhu C, Charbonneau LF, et al: Description and disposition of patients with cancer accessing a novel, pharmacist-led cannabis consultation service. JCO Oncol Pract 18:e1777-e1786, 2022

Cannabis use among cancer patients is rapidly expanding in both popularity and complexity, creating exciting challenges and opportunities for oncology pharmacists. From understanding a growing variety of product types to interpreting evolving clinical evidence on symptom relief, drug interactions, and treatment outcomes, pharmacists are essential in ensuring safe, personalized patient care. In this episode, we reveal practical insights to empower oncology pharmacists in assessing, counseling, and monitoring patients using cannabis. Discover how this emerging therapy is reshaping oncology practice and could become a game changer!

By the end of the podcast, listeners will be able to:

• Explain the rising use of recreational and medicinal cannabis among cancer patients.
• Recognize the diverse variety of cannabis product types and their relevance to oncology symptom management.
• Assess the potential impacts of cannabis on cancer treatments, including drug-drug and drug-disease interactions, safety, and therapeutic outcomes.
• Summarize current available evidence and data for cannabis use in managing oncology-related symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and pain.
• Explore practical approaches for oncology pharmacists to evaluate, counsel, and monitor patients using or inquiring.

Resource list:

1. Bar-Sela G et al. Cannabis Consumption Used by Cancer Patients During Immunotherapy Correlates with Poor Clinical Outcome. Cancers 12:2447, 2020.

2. Grimison P, et al. Oral THC:CBD Cannabis Extract for Refractory Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase IICrossover Trial. Ann Oncol. 2020 Nov;31(11):1553-1560.  Bar-Lev Schleider L, et al. Prospective Analysis of Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis in Large Unselected Population of Patients with Cancer. Euro J of Int Med. 2018 Mar;49:37-43.

3. Khoj L, et al. Effects of Cannabis Smoking on the Respiratory System: A State-of-the-Art Review. Respir Med. 2024 Jan;221:107494.

4. Lopera V, Rodríguez A, Amariles P. Clinical Relevance of Drug Interactions with Cannabis: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med. 2022 Feb 22;11(5):1154

5. Sauer MA et al. Marijuana: Interaction with the Estrogen Receptor. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 224:404-407, 1983.

6. Taha T et al. Cannabis Impacts Tumor Response Rate to Nivolumab in Patients with Advanced Malignancies. Oncologist 24:549, 2019.

7. Worster B, Hajjar ER, Handley N. Cannabis Use in Patients With Cancer: A Clinical Review. JCO Oncol Pract. 2022 Nov;18(11):743-749. 

What skills and attitudes qualify me to be an oncology pharmacist? Join 2 authors of CAPhO’s new Competencies for Oncology Pharmacists in Canada to explore the 5 pillars of oncology pharmacist competencies. Listeners can reflect on their oncology knowledge and skillset and use the Competencies to advance pharmacy practice.

By the end of the podcast, listeners will be able to:

• Highlight why CAPhO created a collection of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to be an oncology pharmacist in Canada.
• List 4 competencies expected of an oncology pharmacist in Canada.
• Describe 3 practical ways in which an oncology pharmacist can use the Competencies document intheir practice.