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Patient Representative Committee

The patient voice in clinical trial research

Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) recognizes the value and importance of engaging patients, including the patient voice in all aspects of the clinical trial life-cycle. Integrating the patient perspective into the CCTG’s overall strategic agenda ensures the research agenda has the greatest impact on cancer patients in Canada and around the world.

CCTG has implemented a model of dedicated public and patient involvement by including the Patient Representative, who are patient volunteers recruited to disease site committees similar to academic committee members with a three year extendable term.

  • The role of the CCTG Patient Representative has evolved to integrate the patient perspective into many steps of the research process with the aim of:
    • research questions that matter to patients, and
    • improved accrual
  • CCTG is committed to implementing best practices and materials to foster and facilitate patient engagement

If you are looking for more information about the CCTG Patient Representative Committee please contact Yvonne Murray, Patient Engagement Lead for information.

CCTG is currently not looking for any volunteers. 

For more information about committee openings please contact Nancy Dusharm.

Priorities in cancer research

CCTG Patient Representatives participated in a facilitated workshop session to identify six research topics most important to cancer patients and caregivers. For the results >


CCTG Patient Representative Committee

Patient Representative: Catherine Caule

Welcome to patient representative Catherine Caule

Please join us in welcoming Catherine Caule, who is the new patient representative supporting the Hematology Disease Site Committee.

Catherine is a long-time health advocate based in Ottawa, Ontario, and a 25-year member of the Lymphoma Support Group of Ottawa. After being diagnosed with advanced Hodgkin Lymphoma and participating in a clinical trial for relapsed disease, she became a passionate voice for patient-centered care and equitable access.

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Patient Representative: Lesley Beaton

Welcome to patient representative Lesley Beaton

We are pleased to welcome Lesley Beaton as the new patient representative supporting the Gastrointestinal Disease Site Committee.

Lesley lives in Vancouver, BC, and brings both scientific and personal experience to her role. She spent more than three decades working in microbiology and regulatory compliance with Health Canada, gaining a scientific perspective on healthcare systems. 

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 new patient representative Tracey Kitz

Welcome to new patient representative Tracey Kitz

Join us in welcoming a new patient representative, Tracey Kitz who will be supporting the Hematology Committee.

Tracy Kitz is an optometrist living in Edmonton, Alberta, who dedicates herself to understanding and meeting the needs of her patients every day. In 2009, her mother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, followed by a stem cell transplant in 2014. 

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workshop on patient engagement in clinical trials

Spring Meeting 2025 - Engaging Patient Representatives in CCTG Clinical Trials

If you are attending the CCTG Spring Meeting #CCTG2025 don't forget to drop by the open workshop and education session on engaging patient representatives in CCTG clinical trials. This accredited workshop takes place on Friday April 25, 10:30-12pm in the Seymour room at the Chelsea Hotel.

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