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Beltran-Bless AA, Larocque G, Brackstone M, Arnaout A, Caudrelier JM, Boone D, Fallah P, Ng T, Cross P, Alqahtani N, Hilton J, Vandermeer L, Pond G, Clemons M. The COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on follow-up of patients with early breast cancer: A patient survey. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024; 204:531-538. [PMID: 38194133 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07232-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite limited evidence supporting its effectiveness, most guidelines recommend long-term, routinely scheduled in-person surveillance of patients with early breast cancer (EBC). The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased use of virtual care. This survey evaluated patient perspectives on follow-up care. METHODS Patients with EBC undergoing surveillance were surveyed about follow-up protocols, perceptions, and interest in clinical trials assessing different follow-up strategies. RESULTS Of 402 approached patients 270 completed the survey (response rate 67%). Median age 62.5 years (range 25-86) and median time since breast cancer diagnosis was 3.8 years (range < 1-33 years). Most (n = 148/244, 60%) were followed by more than one provider. Routine follow-ups with breast examination were mostly conducted by medical/radiation oncologists every 6 months (n = 110/236, 46%) or annually (n = 106/236, 44%). Participants felt routine follow-up was useful to monitor for recurrence, manage side effects of cancer treatment and to provide support/reassurance. Most participants felt regular follow-up care would detect recurrent cancer earlier (n = 214/255, 96%) and increase survival (n = 218/249, 88%). The COVID-19 pandemic reduced the number of in-person visits for 54% of patients (n = 63/117). Patients were concerned this reduction of in-person visits would lead to later detection of both local (n = 29/63, 46%) and distant recurrences (n = 25/63, 40%). While many felt their medical and radiation oncologists were the most suited to provide follow-up care, 55% felt comfortable having their primary care provider (PCP) conduct surveillance. When presented with a scenario where follow-up has no effect on earlier detection or survival, 70% of patients still wanted routine in-person follow-up for reassurance (63%) with the goal of earlier recurrence detection (56%). CONCLUSIONS Despite limited evidence of effectiveness of routine in-person assessment, patients continue to place importance on regularly scheduled in-person follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Alicia Beltran-Bless
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gail Larocque
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Muriel Brackstone
- Department of Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Angel Arnaout
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Caudrelier
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Radiation Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Denise Boone
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Parvaneh Fallah
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Terry Ng
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Cross
- Department of Radiation Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nasser Alqahtani
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - John Hilton
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa Vandermeer
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory Pond
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Mark Clemons
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Alqahtani N, Clemons M, Vandermeer L, Daigle K. Telephone completion of patient self-reporting health history documents by registered nurses: a survey to evaluate its effectiveness and strategies for improvement. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:529. [PMID: 37597016 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07980-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
AIM Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, cancer patients would complete their self-reporting health history documentation at their initial consultation visit. With the increase in virtual care, a program was established; whereby, a registered nurse (RN) would complete the self-reporting history with the patient by telephone prior to the initial consultation. A survey of RNs and oncologists evaluating the effectiveness of this program is presented. METHODS Outpatient RNs and medical and radiation oncologists were surveyed at a single Canadian cancer center. The surveys collected demographic information and perceptions around the successes and challenges of this program. RESULTS Responses were received from 31/42 (74%) RNs and 29/48 (60%) oncologists. RNs reported calling an average of 4 patients/week, and the median time for each call was 20 min. For responding RNs, 21/31 (68%) felt patients were satisfied with the process, and 18/31 (58%) were satisfied with the quality and efficacy of care they were delivering. 25/31 (81%) RNs felt the telephone calls improved care when the patient came to the clinic. All (100%) oncologists were aware of the program, and 86% (25/29) felt it saved time at the consult visit. Areas for improvement included patients completing the forms themselves and including information on current symptoms and drug insurance status. CONCLUSION COVID-19 has resulted in many changes in oncology practice. Completion of patient self-reported health history documentation by an RN over the telephone prior to consultation visit received positive feedback from both RNs and oncologists. However, this process has considerable RN resource implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasser Alqahtani
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre and University of Ottawa, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Mark Clemons
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre and University of Ottawa, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Lisa Vandermeer
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kelly Daigle
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Beltran-Bless AA, Clemons M. How Frequently Should Patients with Breast Cancer Have Routine Follow-Up Visits? NEJM EVIDENCE 2023; 2:EVIDtt2300062. [PMID: 38320146 DOI: 10.1056/evidtt2300062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Prospective Data Regarding the Optimal Frequency and ModalityProspective data regarding the optimal frequency and modality of follow up after definitive therapy for localized breast cancer is lacking, especially as it relates to time to recurrence detection. This article reviews the evidence and proposes a randomized trial to evaluate on-demand versus guideline-based survivorship care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Alicia Beltran-Bless
- Division of Medical Oncology and Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa
- Ottawa Cancer Centre, Ottawa
| | - Mark Clemons
- Division of Medical Oncology and Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa
- Ottawa Cancer Centre, Ottawa
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa
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Beltran-Bless AA, Alshamsan B, Alzahrani MJ, Hilton J, Baines KA, Samuel V, Pond GR, Vandermeer L, Clemons M, Larocque G. Regularly scheduled physical examinations and the detection of breast cancer recurrences. Breast 2023; 69:274-280. [PMID: 36922304 PMCID: PMC10034490 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Follow-up care of early breast cancer (EBC) patients usually includes routinely scheduled physical examinations. While ASCO guidelines recommend a physical exam every three to six months for the first three years, little evidence supports this schedule. We evaluated recurrence detection of patients transferred into a single centre survivorship program that follows ASCO recommendations. METHODS Patients with EBC referred to the Wellness Beyond Cancer Program (WBCP) who had breast cancer recurrence between February 1, 2013, and January 1, 2019 were reviewed. Descriptive analyses were used to present patient and disease characteristics stratified by type of recurrence and mode of cancer detection. RESULTS Of 206 recurrences, 135 were distant recurrences (65.5%), 41 were ipsilateral breast recurrences (19.9%), and 30 were contralateral breast primaries (14.6%). Distant recurrences were primarily detected via patient-reported symptoms (125/135, 92.6%). 53.7% (22/41) of ipsilateral breast recurrences were detected by patients and 41.5% (17/41) by routine imaging. Contralateral breast primaries were primarily detected by imaging 83.3% (25/30) and patient-reported symptoms 16.7% (5/30). Only 2/206 (1.14%) recurrences/new primaries were detected by healthcare providers at routinely scheduled follow-up visits. CONCLUSIONS Despite following ASCO guidelines, healthcare providers rarely detect recurrences at routinely scheduled follow-up appointments. Our data suggests that approximately 35, 000 follow-up visits were required for healthcare providers to detect these 2 recurrences. While reduced in-person visits may affect other aspects of follow-up care (e.g. toxicity management), it appears unlikely, provided patients attend regular screening tests, that less frequent in-person follow-up is associated with worse breast cancer-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Alicia Beltran-Bless
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa and the Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1H 8L6; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1Y 4E9
| | - Bader Alshamsan
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa and the Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1H 8L6; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashari Jemaan Alzahrani
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa and the Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1H 8L6; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1Y 4E9
| | - John Hilton
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa and the Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1H 8L6; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1Y 4E9
| | - Kelly-Anne Baines
- Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Vicky Samuel
- Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory R Pond
- Ontario Clinical Oncology Group, Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Vandermeer
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1Y 4E9
| | - Mark Clemons
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa and the Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1H 8L6; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1Y 4E9.
| | - Gail Larocque
- Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Integrating Systematic Reviews into Supportive Care Trial Design: The Rethinking Clinical Trials (REaCT) Program. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:9550-9559. [PMID: 36547164 PMCID: PMC9776426 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29120750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the successes and challenges of integrating systematic reviews (SRs) into the Rethinking Clinical Trials (REaCT) Program. METHODS All REaCT program SRs were evaluated and descriptive summaries presented. RESULTS Twenty-two SRs have been performed evaluating standard of care interventions for the management of: breast cancer (n = 15), all tumour sites (n = 4), breast and prostate cancers (n = 2), and prostate cancer (n = 1). The majority of SRs were related to supportive care (n = 14) and survivorship (n = 5) interventions and most (19/22, 86%) confirmed the existence of uncertainty relating to the clinical question addressed in the SR. Most SRs (15/22, 68%) provided specific recommendations for future studies and results were incorporated into peer-reviewed grant applications (n = 6) and clinical trial design (n = 12). In 12/22 of the SRs, the first author was a trainee. All SRs followed PRISMA guidelines. CONCLUSION SRs are important for identifying and confirming clinical equipoise and designing trials. SRs provide an excellent opportunity for trainees to participate in research.
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Dent S, Fergusson D, Aseyev O, Stober C, Pond G, Awan AA, McGee SF, Ng TL, Simos D, Vandermeer L, Saunders D, Hilton JF, Hutton B, Clemons M. A Randomized Trial Comparing 3- versus 4-Monthly Cardiac Monitoring in Patients Receiving Trastuzumab-Based Chemotherapy for Early Breast Cancer. Curr Oncol 2021; 28:5073-5083. [PMID: 34940066 PMCID: PMC8700071 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28060427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The optimal frequency for cardiac monitoring of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients receiving trastuzumab-based therapy for early breast cancer (EBC) is unknown. We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing 3- versus 4-monthly cardiac monitoring. PATIENTS AND METHOD Patients scheduled to receive trastuzumab-containing cancer therapy for EBC with normal (>53%) baseline LVEF were randomized to undergo LVEF assessments every 3 or 4 months. The primary outcome was the change in LVEF from baseline. Secondary outcomes included the rate of cardiac dysfunction (defined as a decrease in the LVEF of ≥10 percentage points, to a value <53%), delays in or discontinuation of trastuzumab therapy, and cardiology referral. RESULTS Of the 200 eligible and enrolled patients, 100 (50%) were randomized to 3-monthly and 100 (50%) to 4-monthly cardiac monitoring. Of these patients, 98 and 97 respectively underwent at least one cardiac scan. The estimated mean difference in LVEF from baseline was -0.94% (one-sided 95% lower bound: -2.14), which exceeded the pre-defined non-inferiority margin of -4%. There were also no significant differences between the two study arms for any of the secondary endpoints. The rate of detection of cardiac dysfunction was 16.3% (16/98) and 12.4% (12/97) in the 3- and 4-monthly arms, respectively (95% CI: 4.0 [-5.9, 13.8]). CONCLUSIONS Cardiac monitoring every 4 months was deemed non-inferior to that every 3 months in patients with HER2-positive EBC being treated with trastuzumab-based therapy. Given its costs and inconvenience, cardiac monitoring every 4 months should be considered standard practice. Registration: NCT02696707, 18 February 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Dent
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (S.D.); (A.A.A.); (S.F.M.); (T.L.N.); (J.F.H.)
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (C.S.); (L.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Dean Fergusson
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (D.F.); (B.H.)
| | - Olexiy Aseyev
- Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Care Northwest, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4, Canada;
| | - Carol Stober
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (C.S.); (L.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Gregory Pond
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada;
| | - Arif A. Awan
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (S.D.); (A.A.A.); (S.F.M.); (T.L.N.); (J.F.H.)
| | - Sharon F. McGee
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (S.D.); (A.A.A.); (S.F.M.); (T.L.N.); (J.F.H.)
| | - Terry L. Ng
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (S.D.); (A.A.A.); (S.F.M.); (T.L.N.); (J.F.H.)
| | - Demetrios Simos
- Stronach Regional Cancer Center, Southlake Regional Health Care Centre, Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P9, Canada;
| | - Lisa Vandermeer
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (C.S.); (L.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Deanna Saunders
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (C.S.); (L.V.); (D.S.)
| | - John F. Hilton
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (S.D.); (A.A.A.); (S.F.M.); (T.L.N.); (J.F.H.)
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (C.S.); (L.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Brian Hutton
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (D.F.); (B.H.)
| | - Mark Clemons
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (S.D.); (A.A.A.); (S.F.M.); (T.L.N.); (J.F.H.)
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (C.S.); (L.V.); (D.S.)
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Saunders D, Liu M, Vandermeer L, Alzahrani MJ, Hutton B, Clemons M. The Rethinking Clinical Trials (REaCT) Program. A Canadian-Led Pragmatic Trials Program: Strategies for Integrating Knowledge Users into Trial Design. Curr Oncol 2021; 28:3959-3977. [PMID: 34677255 PMCID: PMC8534460 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28050337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We reviewed patient and health care provider (HCP) surveys performed through the REaCT program. The REaCT team has performed 15 patient surveys (2298 respondents) and 13 HCP surveys (1033 respondents) that have addressed a broad range of topics in breast cancer management. Over time, the proportion of surveys distributed by paper/regular mail has fallen, with electronic distribution now the norm. For the patient surveys, the median duration of the surveys was 3 months (IQR 2.5-7 months) and the median response rate was 84% (IQR 80-91.7%). For the HCP surveys, the median survey duration was 3 months (IQR 1.75-4 months), and the median response rate, where available, was 28% (IQR 21.2-49%). The survey data have so far led to: 10 systematic reviews, 6 peer-reviewed grant applications and 19 clinical trials. Knowledge users should be an essential component of clinical research. The REaCT program has integrated surveys as a standard step of their trials process. The COVID-19 pandemic and reduced face-to-face interactions with patients in the clinic as well as the continued importance of social media highlight the need for alternative means of distributing and responding to surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Saunders
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Box 511, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (D.S.); (M.L.); (L.V.)
| | - Michelle Liu
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Box 511, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (D.S.); (M.L.); (L.V.)
| | - Lisa Vandermeer
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Box 511, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (D.S.); (M.L.); (L.V.)
| | - Mashari Jemaan Alzahrani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa, 501 Smyth Road, Box 912, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada;
| | - Brian Hutton
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and University of Ottawa, 501 Smyth Road, Box 511, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada;
| | - Mark Clemons
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Box 511, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (D.S.); (M.L.); (L.V.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa, 501 Smyth Road, Box 912, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada;
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