About Us
CanRIO is a network of Canadian rheumatologists and researchers with expertise in the management of the rheumatic complications of cancer immunotherapy. These include the development of new rheumatic conditions which develop during or after treatment with immunotherapy, termed rheumatic immune related adverse events (Rh ir-AE) and on the management of patients with rheumatic disease who are being treated or being considered for treatment with immunotherapy.
Main Objectives
The group’s three main objectives are;
- To perform collaborative research across Canada to enhance our understanding of the rheumatic complications of immunotherapy and optimal management of those with pre-existing rheumatic diseases.
- To facilitate the education of physicians and allied health professionals on this rapidly evolving area of medicine.
- To establish referral centers and collaborative networks between rheumatology and oncology across Canada to ensure facilitated access and optimal management of Cancer patients with rheumatic disease.
Mission Statement:
To improve the care of cancer patients across Canada receiving immunotherapy, who develop rheumatic complications or have pre-existing autoimmune conditions, through collaboration, education and research.
Research
The Canadian Research Group of Rheumatology in Immuno-Oncology (CanRIO) network is a collaboration of Canadian rheumatologists with interest and experience in the assessement and management of patients with rheumatic immune related adverse events (Rh-irAEs) after exposure to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). The CanRIO prospective cohort was established in 2019 and includes adult patients with new Rh-irAEs and those with pre-existing autoimmune disease exposed to cancer immunotherapy (CTLA-4, PD-1, or PDL-1 inhibitors). Patients are followed prospectively at 10 CanRIO sites across Canada with standard data collection at pre-determined intervals, and de-identified data entered into a password-protected RedCAP database. All patients sign informed consent to participate in the study. The study has central ethics approval at the research ethics board at the University of British Columbia and independent ethics at each participating academic institution.
The CanRIO retrospective cohort was established in Jan 2019, including patients seen from Jan 2013 to January 2019. (Insert reference – Janet Roberts, 2020, Autoimmunity Reviews). Updated information from original patients and new patients has been added up to August 2023. It includes standardized chart review and data extraction from all cases of patients who developed Rh-irAE after exposure to ICI seen at participating CanRIO sites (n=10), including those seen prior to the establishment of the prospective cohort, and those who did not consent to having their data collected prospectively. Patients who are enrolled in the prospective cohort are excluded from the retrospective cohort. Data is extracted from charts and entered into a password-protected RedCAP database. The study has central ethics approval at the research ethics board at McGill University and independent ethics at each participating academic institution, with waiver of individual patient consent.