Department of Oncology

Medical Oncology is a sub-specialty of internal medicine dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer. The field of Medical Oncology is constantly evolving, driven by research and the development of new treatment modalities. Recent advances include the expansion of targeted therapies and immunotherapies which aim to attack cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues, leading more precisely to more effective treatments. Precision medicine, where treatments are tailored to the genetic makeup of a cancer, is also becoming more common.

Medical oncologists are specialists who possess an in-depth understanding of the management of various types of cancer. Their expertise extends beyond the prescription of systemic therapy for a specific cancer. They are also skilled in assessing the overall health of patients, considering how patient-related and other factors may impact cancer treatment. This holistic approach is crucial for formulating the most effective treatment strategies while minimizing treatment-related toxicities.

The scope of work of a medical oncologist is broad, encompassing patient care from diagnosis through the course of the disease. This includes explaining the diagnosis and stage of cancer, discussing treatment options and their potential side effects, and facilitating supportive care and symptom management. Medical oncologists also play a leading role in the coordination of treatment plans, often acting as the primary point of contact among the various specialists involved in a patient's care. This coordination is essential for ensuring that treatments are administered effectively and that patients receive the support they need throughout their journey.

Moreover, medical oncologists are deeply involved in clinical research, testing new therapies, and contributing to the advancement of cancer treatments through clinical trials. This research is critical for discovering more personalized and effective treatment options.

Medical oncologists combine scientific knowledge with empathetic care playing a crucial role in the cancer care team. Their role is integral to the cancer care team offering hope and guidance to patients and their families during some of the most challenging times of their lives. Through their dedication to patient care, research, and education, medical oncologists continue to make significant contributions to the field of oncology improving outcomes and transforming the landscape of cancer treatment.

Medical Oncology Team Leads:

Regina – Dr. Wojciech Dolata                      Saskatoon – Dr. Adnan Zaidi

Radiation Oncology is an important discipline within the field of cancer treatment focusing on the use of high-energy radiation to eradicate cancer cells and control cancer-related symptoms. This specialized branch of oncology plays an important role in the multidisciplinary approach to cancer care often complementing surgery, chemotherapy, and other treatments. Radiation oncology harnesses the power of various forms of radiation and charged particles to target cancer cells with precision, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Radiation oncologists are the medical doctors who specialize in treating cancer with radiation therapy. Their work involves designing and implementing treatment plans that use radiation to combat cancer effectively with a detailed assessment of the patient’s condition including the type and stage of cancer, its location, and the patient's overall health. The radiation oncologists collaborate closely with medical physicists and dosimetrists to plan and calculate the precise dose of radiation needed.

Radiation oncologists are actively involved in patient care before, during, and after radiation therapy. They work within a broader team of healthcare professionals, including radiation therapy technologists, nurses, medical physicists, and others ensuring that care is coordinated and holistic. This team approach facilitates a supportive environment for patients addressing not just the physical impact of cancer, but also the psychological and social aspects of the disease and its treatment.

Innovation and research are central to the field of radiation oncology, with ongoing advances in technology and treatment methods continually enhancing the precision, safety, and effectiveness of radiation therapy. Techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and proton therapy represent significant milestones in the ability to target tumors more accurately and with fewer side effects. Through their expertise and dedication, radiation oncologists play a vital role in the evolving landscape of cancer care, contributing to improved outcomes and quality of life for patients.

Radiation Oncology Team Leads:

Regina – Dr. Asim Amjad                               Saskatoon – Dr. Ali El-Gayed

Hematology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to the blood and bone marrow, as well as the immunologic, hemostatic (blood clotting), and vascular systems. This complex field encompasses a wide range of benign disorders including anemia, bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, and many other less common illnesses.

Hematologists are medical doctors who are specialized in diagnosing and treating blood disorders. Their expertise is not limited to cancers of the blood but extends to all blood-related conditions. Hematologists play a crucial role in patient care, from diagnosis to developing comprehensive treatment plans that may involve targeted medicine, blood transfusions, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants, or cellular therapy. The work of a hematologist often intersects with various medical fields. This multidisciplinary approach ensures a holistic treatment plan tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Hematologists are deeply involved in the longitudinal care of their patients, especially those with chronic conditions. They provide ongoing assessment and management to monitor the progress of the disease, adjust treatments as necessary, and address any emerging complications. Their role is not just confined to direct patient care; hematologists are also active in clinical research and teaching, contributing to the education of future physicians and the development of new therapies that continue to advance the field. Through clinical trials and laboratory research, they seek to better understand the underlying mechanisms of blood disorders aiming to improve diagnostic techniques, treatment modalities, and ultimately, patient outcomes.

The field of hematology is characterized by rapid advancements in technology and medicine. Hematologists, by applying the latest research findings to clinical practice, are constantly seeking better ways to care for their patients. Through their specialized knowledge and compassionate care, hematologists play a vital role in enhancing the health and well-being of those affected by blood disorders.

Stem cell transplants and CAR T-cell therapy are two innovative treatments in the field of hematology, offering new hope for patients with certain blood cancers and other severe blood-related diseases. Both stem cell transplants and CAR T-cell therapy are complex, high-risk treatments that require a multidisciplinary approach. Hematologists, in collaboration with a team of specialists, are integral to managing these therapies. They assess the suitability of patients for these treatments, oversee the collection and modification of cells, manage the administration of therapy, and monitor patients for adverse effects and response to treatment. Given the potential for severe side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in CAR T-cell therapy, hematologists' expertise in managing these complications is critical.

Through their dedication to patient care, excellence in education, and research, hematologists continue to make significant contributions to the field by teaching future healthcare providers, improving outcomes, and transforming the landscape of the treatment of both general and malignant hematology.

General Hematology Team Leads:

Regina – Dr. Ibraheem Othman                 Saskatoon – Dr. Kelsey Brose

Malignant Hematology Team Leads:

Regina – Dr. Ibraheem Othman                 Saskatoon – Dr. Waleed Sabry

Director of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program:

Dr. Mohamed Elemary

Gynecologic Oncology is a specialized field of oncology that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing cancers that affect women's reproductive organs. This includes cancers of the ovary, uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva. Given the complexity and variety of cancers within this specialty, gynecologic oncology requires a nuanced and highly specialized approach to patient care, integrating surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies to offer the best possible outcomes.

Gynecologic oncologists are specialists who have expertise in treating gynecologic cancers. Their training includes a residency in obstetrics and gynecology followed by a fellowship in gynecologic oncology, where they gain extensive experience in oncology, surgery, and the complexities of cancer treatment specific to female reproductive organs. This advanced training equips them with the skills to perform complex surgeries, including radical pelvic surgery and minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopy or robotic-assisted surgery. They also have expertise in prescribing chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies, and collaborate with radiation oncologists when radiation therapy is indicated.

The role of gynecologic oncologists extends beyond the operating room and the clinic. They are deeply involved in the continuum of care for their patients from initial diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship or palliative care as needed. They work closely with a multidisciplinary team that includes radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, nurse specialists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to treatment. This team collaboration is vital for addressing the complex needs of gynecologic cancer patients encompassing physical, emotional, and psychosocial support.

Gynecologic oncologists also play a crucial role in advancing the field through research and clinical trials. They are often involved in studies that explore new surgical techniques, novel chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies, and innovative approaches to treatment that promise better outcomes. Their work contributes significantly to the evolving understanding of gynecologic cancers and the development of more effective, personalized treatment options.

Gynecologic Oncology Team Leads:

Regina – Dr. Maryam Al-Hayki                    Saskatoon – Dr. Laura Hopkins

The Medical Oncology Subspecialty Residency Training Program is one of six subspecialty post-graduate programs currently offered by the University of Saskatchewan (Cardiology, General Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Respirology and Rheumatology).The residency is a two-year program leading to the RCPSC Certification of Special Competence. The program achieved accreditation by the Royal College of Canada in May 2022.The educational CBD program is designed with the application of the principles of adult-centric learning. The resident is expected to be a full participant in their own learning. The educational teaching opportunities and assessments have been thoughtfully aligned with the subcompetencies, milestones and EPAs as outlined by the Royal College of Canada.An annual program evaluation has been designed to ensure that we provide a reflective internal process to assist us in the growth of the program. As the most important stakeholder in the residency program are the residents themselves, we value the input from our resident in this continued growth. Unique features of the curriculum include a collaborative partnership with the University of British Colombia for academic half day, a systemic therapy prescribing curriculum, course work on communication skills, resident case rounds, and a basic science embedded within the academic training.

Faculty members have strong academic research backgrounds in oncology with a track record of peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals. These members will assist the residents in their pursuit of their own research goals. We have a strong basic science and clinical trials groups, and they are look forward to designing a project with the resident depending on the residents’ career aspirations. Additional graduate work will also be supported, including enrollment in Master level medical education programs if the resident wishes to pursue this. We pride ourselves on providing interprofessional care for the management of cancer patients. We have extensive multi-disciplinary rounds to ensure that we are treating all patients with the highest standards of care. We are well-supported by allied health professionals who assist physicians in guiding the patients and their families throughout the disease trajectory. The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency serves a diverse population with multiple ethnicities including a large Indigenous population. As such, the resident is expected to understand and demonstrate how to provide medical care with cultural sensitivity and competency, as well as their ability to address complex ethical issue with a high level of professionalism.

The overall goal of our medical oncology training program at the University of Saskatchewan is to ensure that you function as a competent and independent medical oncologist in a hospital setting and an outpatient clinic, either in an academic center or in a rural community setting. You will be given three months of elective time and you may choose to tailor your learning in settings such as the inpatient palliative care words and consultation service, rural community medical oncology practice or engage in a basic science or clinical research project including guideline development. You may also wish to concentrate your electives on clinical work in a site-specific area of interest in Saskatoon, Regina or outside the province.

Clinical experiences include out-patient medical oncology, radiation oncology and malignant hematology consultations and follow-up care, in-patient consultations and ward responsibilities and palliative care. The longitudinal clinic begins in the first block of the Core of Discipline training phase. You will be expected to attend oncology conferences with an emphasis on Canadian and national conferences such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the National Cancer Institute of Canada, and the Canadian Clinical Trial Group conference. 70% of the training is completed in Saskatoon with the remaining 30% in Regina.

Our program is based out of the Saskatoon Cancer Centre and is affiliated with Royal University Hospital (RUH). In Regina, the program is based out of the Allan Blair Cancer Centre and is affiliated with the Pasqua Hospital. These two main host hospitals are full-service tertiary care teaching facilities. Additional in-patient consultations can take place at City Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon.
Radiation Oncology and Hematology clinics take place at both cancer center sites. We have a closed oncology admitting ward at RUH, which is supported by clinical associates. There is a dedicated in-patient palliative care ward at St. Paul’s.

This program will enable you to learn continued self-education and self-evaluation. A unique component of the evaluation process is found in your monthly composition of reflective assignments. As well, all of your clinical responsibilities will be transferred to a faculty member to ensure that you have protected time to participate fully in all of the academic activities without distractions. We also support undergraduate medical and post graduate medical educational rotations and you will have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills in medical education as you participate in teaching and supervising of junior learners.

The division of medical oncology at the University of Saskatchewan is committed to a transparent, equitable and fair application process. Our process for resident selection will be dependent upon our assessment of their ability to demonstrate the CanMEDS roles in all areas of clinical and academic work.

We will assess the candidate for their ability to master the subcompetencies necessary for a medical oncologist. Our program will look favorably upon attributes, knowledge and behaviors that encompass the characteristics of a successful medical oncologist in the treatment of the cancer patient and their family throughout the disease trajectory. We will assess their cognitive skills, including their attainment of excellent medical knowledge and clinical skills as evaluated through examinations, evidence of administrative and academic work in their internal medicine residency and their problem-solving skills.

Residents will be expected to maintain their internal medicine knowledge while building upon their developing oncology knowledge. We will also assess the candidate for their non-cognitive skills including their communication skills, their ability to collaborate and receive feedback, and their organizational and
leadership skills. We are assessing their engagement in self-reflective personal and professional medical practice, independent learning skills, and their ability to work as a multidisciplinary team with exceptional interpersonal skills.

The demographics of Saskatchewan and the University serves a diverse population with multiple ethnicities including a large Indigenous population. As such, the candidate is one who is able to understand and demonstrate how to provide medical care with cultural sensitivity and competency, as well as their ability to address complex ethical issue with a high level of professionalism.

The program director, members of the residency program committee and the faculty
are flexible, enthusiastic and supportive in assisting you to achieve your career
aspirations.

We welcome your questions and interest in our program. Pleaase contact:

• Program Director: Dr. Dorie-Anna Dueck via the program administrator Ms. Nancy
  Groeneveld at Nancy.groeneveld@usask.ca

• Regina Faculty
• Saskatoon Faculty

The Oncology faculty are actively involved in basic science, translational, clinical research including clinical trials, health services, epidemiological and outcomes research. Our research initiatives are led by world-class scientists and researchers whose work is recognized both nationally and internationally. These researchers are contributing important discoveries and innovations that have real-world impacts. Their efforts not only further facilitate our understanding of cancer but also help develop more effective and personalized treatment strategies. Bench research allows us to explore the fundamental biological mechanisms that underpin cancer leading to potential new therapies and technologies. Our clinical research, particularly clinical trials, translates these discoveries into direct patient care, evaluating the efficacy and safety of new treatments before they are widely implemented. This integration of novel therapies into clinical practice can dramatically improve patient outcomes. Meanwhile, our epidemiological and outcomes research focuses on understanding the patterns, causes, and effects of cancer within populations. This broad perspective helps us identify risk factors and determine optimal prevention strategies, enhancing public health efforts across Saskatchewan and beyond.

The Cancer Research Department was established in May 1990 and is home to four research scientists. The research faculty are also members of Cancer Cluster.  All research carried out within the Unit is funded by competitive peer-reviewed grants from local and national agencies including the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF), Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Cancer Research Society (CRS), and Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

The research scientists provide state-of-the-art laboratory experiences with a very active training environment for summer students, fourth-year honors research project students, M.Sc. and Ph.D. level graduate students, and Post-Doctoral Fellows. Each scientist holds an appointment in the Department of Oncology, College of Medicine and is typically also an Associate member of a second department such as Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology (BMI), Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology (APP), and/or Pathology. The scientists actively participate in these departments and can teach in both undergraduate and graduate courses. This also enables the scientists to supervise graduate students within these academic departments. Undergraduate students within these departments can obtain research experience during the summer months when they are employed as summer students. Many of these students eventually go on to graduate work.

Director of Research – Dr. Deborah Anderson

Clinical trials play a pivotal role in advancing cancer care by providing a platform for the development and evaluation of novel approaches to prevention, detection, and treatment. These studies are designed to explore new drugs, surgical techniques, radiation therapies, or combinations with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for cancer patients. Importantly, clinical trials are a critical step in the process of bringing new treatments to cancer patients ensuring that they are safe and effective before they are widely adopted.

Participating in a clinical trial offers cancer patients access to novel treatments that may not yet be available through standard care. By enrolling in a trial, patients have the opportunity to receive innovative therapies that could potentially be more effective. Additionally, participation in a clinical trial allows patients to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and the development of future treatments for cancer.

The faculty play a crucial role in facilitating access to clinical trials for eligible patients. By staying informed about ongoing research studies and understanding their patients' unique medical histories and treatment goals, they can help identify suitable clinical trial opportunities. Physicians are members of the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) and collaborate with major cooperative clinical trials groups such as the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Cooperative Groups, as well as run investigator initiated studies. Through collaboration with these groups and adherence to ethical guidelines, cancer specialists ensure that patients have access to innovated therapy while upholding the highest standards of care and safety. By actively participating in the clinical trial process, members of the oncology team contribute to advancing medical knowledge and improving outcomes for cancer patients on a broader scale.

Director of Clinical Research – Lynn Dwernychuk