ISSUE NO. 22 | FEBRUARY 2023 THE DIVISION OF MEDICAL ONCOLOGY & HEMATOLOGY
NEWSLETTER
MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
Welcome to Our New Staff
Greetings members of the
Division of Medical Oncology and Dr. Azeez Salawu joined DMOH as a Medical Oncolo-
Hematology. gist and Clinician Investigator for the Sarcoma disease
I would like to welcome you to site. He has a primary appointment at Sinai Health
our February 2023 issue! I am System and is an Assistant Professor at the University
pleased to highlight our many of Toronto. Prior to this he has been a fellow in DMOH
milestones and achievements in in Phase 1 clinical trials, sarcoma and gastrointestinal
the past month. In the next few cancers. He obtained his medical degree from the
pages, you will read about: University of Ibadan in Nigeria and pursued an interest
in scientific research by doing a Masters degree in
• New staff Molecular Medicine at the University of Sheffield, United
Kingdom. Azeez then went on to do a PhD studying the
• Words of wisdom genomics of sarcomas. Having developed an interest in Oncology, he underwent
specialist training in Medical Oncology at the Weston Park Cancer Centre in Shef-
• Outstanding awards & field, United Kingdom which he completed in 2019 and worked as a consultant in
accomplishments City Hospital in Nottingham, UK. In his spare time he watches movies and spends
• Research Achievements time with his family.
• Staff spotlights
Dr. Marta Davidson joined DMOH as a Malignant
• Upcoming events Hematologist with a focus on Leukemia at Princess
Margaret Cancer Centre. Marta is a Clinician Investigator
Please feel free to share this and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto.
newsletter with colleagues. We Prior to this she was a Clinical Associate in Leukemia
also welcome your feedback, at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and completed a
content, and suggestions for clinical research fellowship in DMOH in Leukemia and
future issues. Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. Marta completed her
Hematology and Internal Medicine Residency training at
Happy reading, the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary.
She also holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the Depart-
Amit Oza
ment of Biochemistry from the University of Toronto. Her graduate work focused
on DNA replication and repair and genome instability. As a Clinician Investigator,
Marta is interested in novel therapeutics and outcomes for acute leukemia
evolving from prior myeloid disorders or related to prior chemotherapy or radia-
tion treatment. Outside of work, Marta enjoys spending time outdoors biking,
hiking, and skiing.
Dr. Robert Grant joined DMOH as a Medical Oncolo-
gist with a focus on the Gastrointestinal and Gyneco-
logical disease sites at the Princess Margaret Cancer
Centre. Robert is a Clinician Investigator and Assistant
Professor at the University of Toronto. Prior to this, he
was a Clinical Associate in DMOH and a Clinical Fellow in
Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at PMH. In 2022, he
completed his PhD at the Institute for Medical Sciences
at the University of Toronto. He completed his MD at
the University of Toronto and his MA in the Department
of Economics at the University of Toronto. His current
research interest is the application of machine learning to data from high-
throughput biological assays and the electronic health record.
DMOH Newsletter PAGE 1
WELCOME TO OUR NEW STAFF
Welcome to Our New Staff
Dr. Rishi Patel joined DMOH
as a Hospitalist at the Princess Words of Wisdom
Margaret Cancer Centre. Prior to from the Weekly DMOH
this he worked at Muskoka and
Algonquin Healthcare SMMH site Admin Huddle
and Timmins and District Hospital
as a hospitalist physician. He
graduated Family Medicine Resi-
dency through NOSM in 2018 and Stop regretting the
enjoyed training in a rural setting
where he developed his interest in
hospitalist medicine. In his free time, Rishi is a foodie who past, don't forget
enjoys travelling and hiking with recent trips to India on a
food tour and a safari adventure through Kruger National the past – learn
Park in South Africa.
from it so you can
Claudia Abreu-Costa joined
DMOH as a Program Clinical get better and don't
Coordinator for the IEC program.
Claudia has worked at Princess
Margaret Cancer Centre since make the same
2016, and started her career as an
Inpatient Nurse floating between mistakes again.
the Allogeneic and Autologous
Stem Cell Transplant units. Since
2020, Claudia has worked as an
Autologous Stem Cell Transplant
Coordinator, so is no stranger to the team. She is excited to
move into this new role as the Program Clinical Coordinator
for the IEC program and looks forward to working with new
colleagues as well as continuing to work with the team that
welcomed her into the coordinator role 3 years ago.
Sharon D'Souza joined DMOH
as a School and Work Transitions
Counsellor supporting the AYA
program. Prior to this she worked
at Youth Employment Services, she
has specialized in 1 on 1 assess-
ments and group facilitation. For
over 7 years, she has led programs Happy
to empower clients as they enter
into education and employment.
She hopes to continue supporting Birthday to
patients and prides herself on her ability to motivate clients
and make the transition to school and work less over- Dr. Eitan
whelming. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and playing
board games. Amir!
DMOH Newsletter | February 2023 PAGE 2
STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
Sunnybrook
International Day of Woman Odette Cancer Centre
& Girls in Science Hematology Rounds
February 11 was the International Day of Woman and Members of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Hans
Girls in Science, a day to celebrate all of the trailblazing Messner Allogeneic Transplant Program presented at the
women scientists, clinician-researchers, postdoc- Sunnybrook - Odette Cancer Centre Hematology Rounds
toral researchers, graduate students, research staff, on January 30. Following a brief introduction by Dr. Jonas
administrators, and other members and learners of Mattsson, Dr. Auro Viswabandya and Clinical Nurse
the research community at UHN who make important Coordinator Michele Heffering-Cardwell co-presented
contributions to our Research mission to drive excel- on "Referral to consultation timeline of new patients in
lence in discovery and innovation to create A Healthier the Allo BMT Program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
World. - A deep dive" highlighting a recent analysis of time from
referral to consult and patient eligibility. This work has
Please join us in honouring the incredible women identified several ways to improve referral processes and
of TeamUHN for their dedication and commitment accelerate scheduling of new patient consultations, with the
to improving the health and wellbeing of people in implementation of several changes that will be re-evaluated
Canada and beyond through advances in research and in the next couple of months. The Leukemia Team at Prin-
innovation. On this day, we also honour the contribu- cess Margaret had already been informed of this previously.
tions of our gender-diverse community members, Dr. Ivan Pasic then presented on "Allogeneic hematopoi-
acknowledging that diversity in all its forms and inter- etic cell transplantation in myelodysplastic syndrome: The
sections of identity helps build A Healthier World for impact of novel reduced toxicity conditioning regimens
all. on transplant outcomes" highlighting promising patient
Watch a short video that celebrates the journey of outcomes with treosulfan use. These presentations were
women researchers at UHN. very well received by the multidisciplinary round attendees.
Jonas Mattsson Auro Viswabandya
MD, PhD MBBS, MD, DM, FRCP,
FRCPC
Michele Heffering- Ivan Pasic
Cardwell Hon BSc, PhD, MD, FRCPC
RN, BScN, MScN, CON(C)
DMOH Newsletter | February 2023 PAGE 3
STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
“There’s No Place Like Home”
ALLO@Home Reaches New Milestone!
The Hans Messner Allogeneic Blood & Marrrow Transplant Program’s
ALLO@Home initiave – implemented with a soft launch in 2021 - has
expanded significantly in the last six months. ALLO@Home provides alloge-
neic peri-transplant care for patients who can return home during specific
time points, with the ALLO BMT Inpatient Team providing support to the
patient in their home until transplant issues have been largely resolved and
when the patient can return to ambulatory care.
ALLO@Home was introduced to PM by ALLO BMT Medical Director Dr.
Jonas Mattsson, who successfully led a similar program in Sweden and
provided valuable input in the creation of programs in Norway and North
Carolina, USA. Dr. Mattsson’s research on patients who received much of
their peri-ALLO transplant care in their home has demonstrated a signifi-
cant survival advantage over those who received all their care in hospital.
At PM, the transplant team monitors ALLO@Home patients very closely
while the patient is at home. An inpatient transplant RN is assigned each
shift and monitors the patient’s clinical condition via telephone at specific
time points. These nurses escalate any clinical concerns directly to the ALLO
BMT Attending MD for review. In addition, the ALLO BMT prescriber team
(NPs, BMT fellows) conduct a daily in-person assessment of the patient each
day. Unfortunately, the pandemic resulted in challenges for our staffing so
patients have been required to return to PM each day to be assessed in the
ALLO Day Hospital, led by ALLO BMT NP Katie McNamara. In the event of a complication such as fever, patients immediately
return to Unit 14B for prompt clinical care and interventions.
Patients can be referred to ALLO@Home during the pre-transplant workup phase. After the referral, education is provided to
patients and caregivers by Dr Mattsson, NP Katie McNamara and Nurse Manager Susan Clarke. As a final step, the patient’s
home environment is inspected to ensure that it does not pose any hazards to both our workers and to the severely immuno-
compromised patient. These safety inspections are conducted by Nurse Manager Susan Clarke with all findings reviewed by Dr.
Mattsson prior to proceeding. During the inpatient phase of treatment, certain elements must still be provided in the hospital
such as chemotherapy and stem cell administration. However, our team continues to look for innovative ways to support
patients safely in the home in greater degrees, such as administering blood transfusions in the home.
In January 2023, the ALLO@Home program marked a new and exciting milestone – the first patient daily visit in their home
by an ALLO BMT nurse practitioner, Zoe Evans. After reviewing the patient’s condition overnight from nursing staff, Zoe
visited the patient’s residence, conducted a clinical assessment, collected the patient’s bloodwork and returned the specimen
promptly to the TGH Core Lab for stat processing. The team then collectively developed a plan for the patient to remain at
home for the following 24 hours and provided ongoing support to accomplish this goal.
To receive care that has traditionally relegated as always “in-hospital” to provided safely at home with improved outcomes has
been a significant game changer for those undergoing what is an extremely stressful journey of ALLO BMT. Patients have told us
that being able to sleep in their own bed, eat when they wish, participate in activities of daily living at in their home with the support
of their loved ones (including dogs & cats) together with the expertise of the ALLO BMT team has been extremely well received.
Patients have repeatedly spoken of the old ‘Wizard of Oz’ adage that “there’s no place like home” when it pertains to ALLO@Home!
Did You Know?
Congratulations to the Allo-BMT Team! A record 22 infusions were completed in the month of January, well surpassing the
2022 January infusion total of 5. Thank you for your exceptional contribution, dedication and commitment to patient care and
the Allo-BMT Program.
DMOH Newsletter | February 2023 PAGE 4
STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
Oncology Nursing Research & Scholarship, Accomplishments
It is our honour and privilege to share with you the report highlighting Oncology
Nursing Research and Scholarship, Accomplishments from 2020-2022.
Over the past three years, UHN nurses have brought the best of themselves to
provide holistic, specialized and compassionate care to our patients and families
affected by cancer in the midst of a global pandemic. Many of them also continued
to invest time in leading research, quality improvement projects, innovations in clin-
ical practice, education and nursing leadership activities.
This report is a celebration of their contributions to advance patient and family
centered care and the profession of nursing! To our nursing colleagues, we recog-
nize and celebrate you;
For your dedication to our patients and their families,
For your clinical expertise, research and scholarship accomplishments and
leadership,
For your commitment to TeamUHN!
Sincere gratitude to the PMCF for their ongoing generous support to nursing inno-
vation which made this report possible.
Congrats to Mitchell Elliott,
PGY4 Medical Oncology Resident
for receiving the Hold ‘Em for Life
Research Fellowship (2023) for the
project “Acquired Pharmacologic
Vulnerabilities in Cyclin Depen-
dent Kinase 4/6 inhibitor-resistant Physician
Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast
Cancer”. Health Program
The PHP welcomes self-referrals
from medical students, residents,
physicians and veterinarians in
Ontario who may have concerns
about their health and well-
being. Their confidential services
are here to assist those experi-
encing distress, substance use or
mental health issues that can have
personal or professional impact.
The PHP promotes prevention and
Congratulations to Drs. Zachary Liederman, Christine early identification of health issues
Elser and Wilson Lam for receiving the 2021-22 Teaching and supports health professionals,
Excellence Award from the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s MD their families and workplaces.
Program. Recipients of this award are selected by students Call the confidential PHP
as representing the top 10% of teachers in a specific cate- number toll free at 1-800-851-
gory of undergraduate medical student teaching. This is 6606 from 8:45 am to 5:00 pm.
a distinct honour of the work put into helping to develop Email: [email protected]
Temerty’s doctors-in-training.
DMOH Newsletter | February 2023 PAGE 5
STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
Notable Research Achievements
Congratulations to Dr. Jameel
Abdulrehman for his papers:
Anticoagulation and/or Anti-
platelet in Thrombotic Antiphos-
pholipid Syndrome with Previous
Arterial Thromboembolism: A
Retrospective Cohort published Congratulations to Drs. Jennifer Knox, Cha Len Lee and
in Blood. Grainne O’Kane for their article “Targets and Resistance
The Value of Performance Mechanisms in Biliary Tract Cancers” published in ASCO
Status in Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Daily News. This article highlights just how much research is
Cancer-Associated Pulmonary Embolism published in happening in Biliary Tract cancers which consist of cholan-
JACC: CardioOncology. giocarcinomas and gallbladder cancers. These rare tumors
have clearly entered the era of precision medicine. Today,
patients need to have their cancers profiled for potential
druggable targets in addition to standard of care chemo-
therapy.
Congratulations to Mitchell Elliott and Dr. Eitan Amir
for their paper “Resource stratified guidelines for cancer:
Are they all the same? Interguideline concordance for
systemic treatment recommendations" published in the Congratulations to Dr. Srikala Sridhar and Dr. Carlos
International Journal of Cancer. Stecca, former fellow for their paper, “The Role of Neoadju-
vant Chemotherapy in Bladder Preservation Approaches
in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer” published in Seminars
in Radiation Oncology.
Congratulations to Drs. Neesha Dhani, Jennifer Knox, Congratulations to Drs. Lillian Siu, Eric Chen, Jennifer
Lillian Siu and Philippe Bedard for their paper “A phase Knox, Dennis Kim and Jeffrey Lipton for their paper
II trial of GSK2256098 and trametinib in patients with “Outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer after allo-
advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma – Aung" geneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation” published
published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology.
in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology.
DMOH Newsletter | February 2023 PAGE 6
STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS
Notable Research Achievements
Congratulations to Dr. Mark
Minden for his paper "Distinct Congratulations to Mitchell
and opposite effects of leukemo- Elliott for his presentation “Circu-
genic Idh and Tet2 mutations in lating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) Detec-
hematopoietic stem and progen- tion and Dynamics in Patients with
itor cells" published in PNAS. Early Breast Cancer (EBC): Results
of the Neoadjuvant TRACER
cohort” at the San Antonio Breast
Cancer Symposium 2022.
Congratulations to Dr. Srikala
Sridhar for her presentation at the
2023 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers
Symposium for her project "Long-
Term JAVELIN Bladder-100 Find-
ings Solidify First-Line Avelumab
Maintenance as a Standard of
Care". Avelumab maintenance
continues to demonstrate an
overall survival benefit over best
supportive care in patients with
advanced bladder cancer based on a median follow-up of ≥
38 months (Abstract 508).
Congratulations as Drs. Eitan Amir, Monika Krzya-
nowska, Christine Elser, Raymond Jang, and Anca
Prica for their paper “Impact of Geriatric Assessment and
Management on Quality of Life, Unplanned Hospitaliza-
tions, Toxicity, and Survival for Older Adults With Cancer:
The Randomized 5C Trial” published in JCO.
Congratulations to Mitchell Elliott, PGY4 Medical Oncology
Resident and Dr. David Cescon for their papers:
Development of Novel Agents for the Treatment
of Early Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer
published in The Breast.
Biomimetic hydrogel supports initiation and growth
of patient-derived breast tumor organoids published
in Nature Communications.
DMOH Newsletter | February 2023 PAGE 7
STAFF SPOTLIGHTS
Get to Know
Dr. Jesús Fuentes
Dr. Jesús Fuentes Antrás is a Clinical Research Fellow in Early Drug Devel-
opment and Breast Cancer at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Jesús
obtained his medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in
Spain and completed specialist training in Medical Oncology at Hospital Clínico
San Carlos in Madrid in 2021. Spurred by the unmet needs of Oncology and
a passion for cancer biology, he did a Masters degree in Molecular Oncology
from the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos and Centro Nacional de Investiga-
ciones Oncológicas and enrolled in a PhD from Universidad Complutense
de Madrid focused on breast cancer translational research. His research
interests include the study of circulating biomarkers through multiomic
profiling and the use of data science and preclinical models for the identifi-
cation of molecular vulnerabilities. Jesús aims to develop as a translational
researcher able to bridge basic science, drug development and clinical care.
What do you like most about your job?
The opportunity to help cancer patients and witness their journey is an
extraordinary privilege. Also, the practice of Oncology is influenced by
scientific discovery at a higher pace than most other medical specialties,
with novel research continuously redefining clinical care.
What’s a fun fact about you that others may not know?
My dog, Rolo, is named after the Viking TV series’ character and weighs
about 70 kg!
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I love mountaneering, epic adventure movies, brainy essays, fine cheese,
chocolate, wine... But spending time with my wife and dog in any way is
unbeatable.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
4 in 1 - I try to stick to, easier said than done: Realize the truly important,
cultivate your taste for both inspiring endeavors and small pleasures,
refrain from judging others, and understand the randomness and unfair-
ness of life.
STAFF SPOTLIGHTS
Get to Know
Dr. Aisha Alshibany
Dr. Aisha Alshibany is a clinical fellow in the Phase I Drug Development
Program with an interest in Sarcoma. She completed her internal medi-
cine and oncology training in King Faisal specialist hospital in Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia. While her clinical pursuits are extremely important to her, research
is equally a driving force. She is amazed by the advance level of clinical
trials here and intends on harnessing this opportunity to learn as much
as possible and develop her skills. Dr. Alshibany sees herself translating
this knowledge to contribute meaningful data to community and improve
patient care at the highest quality.
Her career goal is to advance research capacity back home and start a
drug development program. She believes that back home there is the
need and infrastructure for such an important project. She plans on
leveraging on this opportunity and being in the forefront of it. She also
plans on creating a nationwide clinical data bases for sarcoma patients
back home, with the intention of curating data to be used for investiga-
tional capacity.
What do you like most about your job?
My job never feels boring. I always encounter new cases with different challenges
on a daily bases which leaves me encouraged to read more. It requires patients and empathy incorporated
with knowledge, which I like.
What’s a fun fact about you that others may not know?
I’m a potterhead, slytherin at heart (even though the sorting hat put me in a different house!).
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy reading, and love spending time painting.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
I'll quote my mentor Dr. Razak (at the end of the day you get to go home).
EVENTS & DEADLINES
EVENTS
2023 ASCO Annual Meeting
The 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual meeting will
take place June 2-6 at the McCormick Place in Chicago IL and online. For
details click here.
BEST OF GU & GI CANCER CONFERENCE 2023 RE-ENVISIONING THE DELIVERY OF CANCER
CARE IN CANADA
Chaired by Dr. Scott Berry and Prof. Srikala Sridhar,
this exclusive international in-person and virtual Join Dr. Scott Berry and Dr. Sharlene Gill at this
flagship event will present a summary of the most in-person only unaccredited symposium that
significant treatment advances in Genitourinary and preludes the 2023 CAMO Annual Scientific Meeting.
Gastrointestinal malignancies presented at major Our expert panel take a practical approach with
international events in 2022 and 2023. a lens of EDI, (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion), and
speakers will explore Workforce Planning, Models of
Date: April 14, 2023 Care and Technology. The symposium will be held in
Downtown Toronto and will bring together a diverse
Registration Link panel to discuss The Future of Oncology in Canada.
Date: April 26, 2023
Registration Link
DMOH Newsletter | February 2023 PAGE 10
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
UHN Oncology Nursing
Awards
Attend the Oncology Nursing Day Awards Celebration
on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
Nominate a Nurse for an Oncology Nursing Award:
SUPPORT TEAM MO IN T.O. Rose Dean Essence of Oncology Nursing
Award
We have exciting U of T news to share!
Award of Excellence in Nursing Preceptor-
In support of the World Wildlife Fund, the Univer- ship/Mentorship/Teaching
sity of Toronto, Division of Medical Oncology The Rising Star Oncology Nursing Award
Faculty, and Trainees from across the GTA are
lacing up to climb all 1,776 steps up to the top of the Michael Kamin Hart Award of Excellence
C.N. Tower! This event will take place on Sunday, April in Adolescent & Young Adults (AYA) Cancer
16, 2023. Care
Please click here to support team MO in T.O. (or a 90/10 Professional Development Project
Award
specific team member)!
For any additional information about the UHN
If you would like to join our team, please contact
[email protected] Oncology Nursing Awards, click here or contact: Ishrat
Patel by e-mail: [email protected]
Date: April 16, 2023
Submission Deadline: March 9, 2023
DMOH Newsletter DMOH Communications Contributors
ISSUE NO. 22 | FEBRUARY 2023 Team & Content Advisors Amit Oza
Christina Gulesserian Aisha Alshibany
produced by the Division of Medical Michelle Williams Mitchell Elliott
Oncology and Hematology at the James Austin Jennifer Ryan
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Schenell Rosario Jesús Fuentes
Jonas Mattsson
Please forward submissions and comments to
[email protected]
DMOH Newsletter | February 2023 PAGE 11