
Oncology Basics
The Canadian Association of Pharmacy in Oncology (CAPhO) is pleased to provide access to accredited online education programs that are directly related to the work of oncology pharmacists, technicians and pharmacy assistants.

UPDATED as of July 2019
Oncology Practise Essentials, CAPhO's series of educational programs, will enhance your ability to practice in the field of oncology pharmacy. The first program, Oncology Basics, consists of five accredited self-study modules and provides:
- A convenient resource for pharmacy practitioners new to oncology
- An up-to-date refresher for experienced practitioners
Oncology Basics (updated in July 2019) is accessible to CAPhO members at no charge and is available for purchase by non-members.
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Module Overview | Accreditation | Contributors
Overview

Module 1: Introduction to Cancer and Principles of Treatment
This module will provide you with an introduction to the characteristics of cancer, the basic strategies used to characterize and classify cancers and the basic biology of cancer cells. It will also explore treatment goals, modalities and strategies. An overview of the different types of antineoplastic drugs, their use, dosing and administration schedules will also be provided. Key terms related to cancer, staging and treatment will be defined.

Module 2: Cytotoxic Chemotherapy and Toxicities
This module will introduce you to different classes of cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs – their pharmacology, indications, toxicities, administration properties and key drug interactions. It will give you the background to discuss treatments knowledgeably with patients and other members of the healthcare team. Drugs selected for inclusion in this module were based on those reviewed by a national drug review process.

Module 3: Hormonal Manipulation, Immunotherapy and Differentiating Agents
This module will introduce you the pharmacology of endocrine therapies and immunotherapies. It will give you the background to discuss immunotherapies and hormonal treatments knowledgeably with patients and other members of the healthcare team. An overview of the common toxicities of these agents will also be discussed.

Module 4: Targeted Therapies Part 1 – Small Molecules
This module will focus on small molecule targeted therapies. It will give you the background to discuss targeted agents knowledgeably with patients and other members of the healthcare team. Small molecule targeted therapy toxicities will also be discussed.

Module 5: Targeted Therapies - Part 2 – Monoclonal Antibodies
This module introduces you to the pharmacology of targeted therapies, specifically monoclonal antibodies. It will give you the background to discuss targeted agents knowledgeably with patients and other members of the healthcare team. Toxicities associated with monoclonal antibodies will also be discussed.
Accreditation

The Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy has accredited this program for a total of 6.5 CEUs.
Expiration Date: August 9, 2022
- Module 1: 1.0 CEU
- Module 2: 1.5 CEUs
- Module 3: 1.0 CEU
- Module 4: 2.0 CEUs
- Module 5: 1.0 CEU
Total: 6.5 CEUs
Contributors
The material for Oncology Basics was originally developed by Alberta Health Services, and it was purchased and adapted by CAPhO in July 2011. In 2014, it was updated to reflect advances in oncology pharmacy. In 2019, it is now in its third edition. Oncology Basics is an educational initiative that is a product of the efforts, resources and time of many people.
Oncology Basics Third Edition (2019) Contributors






Past Contributors
- Oncology Basics Contributors in 2014 (Second Edition)
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- Tara Leslie, BSP, BCOP, CEC Chair (2011 – 2017) –
Clinical Pharmacist and Clinical Assistant Professor, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, and Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Calgary, AB - Frances Cusano, BScPharm, ACPR –
Clinical Practice Leader, Adult Cancer Care, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB - Melanie Danilak, BScPharm –
Pharmacy Clinical Educator, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB - Jennifer Jupp, BScPharm, BCOP –
Clinical Practice Leader, Hematology, Oncology and Transplant Program, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB - Michael LeBlanc, BScChem, BScPharm, PharmD –
Clinical Oncology Pharmacy Specialist, Clinical Pharmacy Manager, Horizon Health Network (The Moncton Hospital), Moncton, NB - Thomas McFarlane, PharmD –
Clinical Lecturer, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON - Sally Waignein, BScH, BScPharm, ACPR, PharmD –
Provincial Pharmacy Education Coordinator, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC - Danica Wasney, BScPharm, ACPR, BCOP –
Clinical Pharmacist, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
- Tara Leslie, BSP, BCOP, CEC Chair (2011 – 2017) –
- Oncology Basics Contributors in 2011 (First Edition)
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- Rhonda Kalyn, BSP, CEC Chair (2008 – 2011) –
Pharmacy Communities Oncology Network Educator, BC Cancer Agency, Kelowna, BC - Jennifer Jupp, BScPharm, BCOP –
Clinical Practice Leader, Hematology, Oncology and Transplant Program, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB - Michael LeBlanc, BScChem, BScPharm, PharmD –
Clinical Oncology Pharmacy Specialist, Clinical Pharmacy Manager, Horizon Health Network (The Moncton Hospital), Moncton, NB - Sally Man, BScH, BScPharm, ACPR, PharmD –
Provincial Pharmacy Education Coordinator, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC - Lucie Surprenant, BScPharm., MSc., BCOP –
Oncology Pharmacy Coordinator, St. Mary's Hospital Centre, Montreal, QC
- Rhonda Kalyn, BSP, CEC Chair (2008 – 2011) –
- Oncology Basics Project Support Team
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- Sea to Sky Meeting Management Inc., Administrative Support
- Mark Stephens, Windward Design Group, Graphic Design