For the first time in Canada, a patient has received cancer immunotherapy by subcutaneous injection in their home, marking a groundbreaking shift in cancer care delivery. The innovative research initiative, led by Horizon Health Network in collaboration with Roche Canada, the New Brunswick Extra-Mural Program, and ResearchNB, represents a significant advancement in patient-centered oncology treatment.
The project originated with a research study led by Horizon medical oncologists Dr. Mahmoud Abdelsalam, Dr. Luisa Galvis and Dr. James Michael, whereby New Brunswick patients diagnosed with certain types of lung cancer receive Health Canada-authorized subcutaneous cancer immunotherapy at home, administered by nurses from Medavie's New Brunswick Extra-Mural Program. The initiative was formally announced during the annual BIO International Convention in June 2024 in San Diego, California, with the first treatment milestone occurring in New Brunswick this past March.
Transforming Treatment Delivery
"This trial marks a turning point in lung cancer care—bringing treatment from the hospital to patients' homes, where they are most comfortable," said Dr. Abdelsalam, who served as principal investigator of the research initiative. "We are proud to lead this Canadian-first trial from New Brunswick, showing that innovation in health care can start right here at home, improving the quality of care for New Brunswickers."
The study was initially designed to bring care closer to communities. However, Dr. Abdelsalam challenged the team to go further—to "close the last mile" by delivering modern cancer therapies directly to patients' homes.
Previously, patients travelled to hospital-based infusion centres for intravenous cancer treatments, often spending at least 30 to 60 minutes per visit. The new subcutaneous injection reduces treatment time to about seven minutes, offering a more convenient, less invasive option that minimizes disruptions to patients' daily life, reduces the strain on health care providers, and increases capacity in the health care system.
Addressing Healthcare System Challenges
"The reality is, if patients must leave their communities, take time off work, arrange childcare or organize transportation, it disrupts their lives significantly," said Jennifer Sheils, Horizon's Vice-President of Strategy, Transformation and Chief Innovation Officer. "They occupy IV therapy hospital chairs, require nursing and pharmacy resources and often face the challenge of travelling home while feeling unwell. These impacts extend beyond the treatment day and can affect their overall well-being and financial stability."
Key benefits of the subcutaneous formulation compared to traditional IV formulations include reduced treatment time, potentially less discomfort and emotional distress during treatment, patient-tailored care enabling treatment both in and out of hospital, and fewer hospital visits when delivered outside of the hospital setting.
Industry Partnership and Innovation
"The challenges faced by healthcare systems in Canada have never been greater. Horizon Health's outstanding leadership shows that transforming this system is possible," said Dr. Dan Edgcumbe, Vice President of Medical and Regulatory Affairs at Roche Pharma Canada. "By thinking differently about how we collaborate, we can deliver better care to patients and their families. We are very proud to partner with Horizon Health on this project, which will help ensure all patients have access to the best innovation in healthcare, when they need it - a key part of Roche's vision."
Health Minister John Dornan expressed pride in seeing investments in health research and innovation lead to this first-of-its-kind treatment trial for certain types of lung cancer in Canada. "This exciting initiative is an example of how New Brunswick is using creative research partnerships to improve the quality of care of patients in our province," he said.
The STITCH-01 Study
Patients interested in participating in this study, referred to as Subcutaneous Treatment with Immunotherapy for Cancer Patients at Home, or STITCH-01, can complete a research application form available on the Horizon website. The approach is expected to improve health system operations by reducing pressure on infusion clinics, increasing treatment capacity, optimizing workflow and potentially lowering overall costs per patient.
Horizon hopes health care systems across Canada will look to this example as a model for accelerating patient-centred innovation. The organization is committed to fostering a culture of improving patient outcomes through research and innovation initiatives, supporting approximately 117 clinical trials for new treatments and solutions annually, along with nearly 307 investigator-led studies advancing health care knowledge and practice.
This innovative model empowers patients while supporting a more efficient and patient-centered health care system, representing a potential paradigm shift in how cancer care is delivered across the country.
