On-Demand Courses

Cancer immunotherapy - the latest frontier in cancer care
Credits: 1.5 Category A (Pending)
Venue: Online
Open to: NDs Health-care practitioners
Course type: On-demand

Course description
Immunotherapy has changed the treatment landscape of many cancers, both in early and later stages, and has become first-line treatment in some cases. Immunotherapy has dramatically changed the prognosis of some cancers for which previous treatments were limited in their duration of effectiveness. These novel agents act very differently from traditional chemotherapy and other targeted cancer therapies.
In this webinar, medical oncologist, Shaqil Kassam, MD MSc. FRCPC and naturopathic doctor, Daniel Lander, ND will review the rapidly evolving field of immunotherapy in cancer care and discuss aspects of the collaborative care of patients receiving these life-saving therapies.
Learning outcomes
  • Understand the components of the immune system and how they may be used to treat cancer
  • Understand the mechanisms of action of select immunotherapies
  • Know which cancer types are most often treated with immunotherapy and appreciate the improved prognosis this has resulted in
  • Recognize common adverse effects of immunotherapy and understand their management
  • Understand key aspects of the integrative care of patients receiving immunotherapy, including supportive therapies and contraindications

Instructor(s)/Speaker(s)
Dr. Shaqil Kassam, MD, M.Sc., FRCPC
Shaqil Kassam completed his honours bachelors of science degree with a minor degree in medical physics at McMaster University graduating summa cum laude. He then pursued a masters in radiation biology and DNA repair similarly at McMaster University. After completing four years of undergraduate medical training at the University of Toronto, he then trained in radiation oncology for two years after which he completed his Fellowship in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology at the University of Toronto. Currently Dr. Kassam is a staff medical oncologist at the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre in Newmarket, specializing in the treatment of thoracic, gastrointestinal and genitourinary malignancies. He is also the skin cancer lead oncologist for the Centre.
Dr. Daniel Lander, ND
As a fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO), Daniel Lander is a naturopathic doctor with board certification in naturopathic oncology. He graduated from CCNM in 2006 and also holds a Bachelor of Science in nutritional sciences from the University of Guelph. His clinical training included a hospital-based naturopathic oncology residency at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. He is currently the director of the new CCNM Integrative Cancer Centre where patients are treated with scientifically-grounded, evidence-informed complementary medicine through an integrative team approach. He is also an associate professor at CCNM and presently sits on the board of directors of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology.