Volume 28 | No.2 | February 2026 | | |
From Netty Cracknell, ISOPP President
Dear
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February already — and the momentum towards our 30th anniversary year continues to build!
We are now just weeks away from the 2026 ISOPP International Virtual Symposium, and excitement is growing across our global community. Registration remains open at just $30 CAD in celebration of our 30th anniversary — an incredible opportunity to take part in a truly global 24-hour event.
This year’s Symposium will not only showcase outstanding scientific content from across multiple regions and practice settings, but will also include dedicated networking sessions designed to help you connect with colleagues around the world. One of the strengths of ISOPP has always been our sense of community, and we are intentionally creating space within the programme to support discussion, collaboration, and new partnerships.
A draft agenda and further detailed information about the Symposium will be circulated next week, so please keep an eye on your inbox. The programme will reflect the diversity, innovation, and expertise of oncology pharmacy professionals globally.
If you haven’t yet registered — please don’t forget to do so. Encourage your colleagues and teams to join us as well. This is more than a symposium; it is a celebration of 30 years of advancing oncology pharmacy together.
This month’s Day in the Life once again reminds us of the breadth of talent within our profession. Stories like Jurga’s demonstrate how clinical practice, research, leadership, and equity can intertwine to shape the future of cancer care. They inspire me — and I know they inspire many of you too.
Thank you for your continued commitment to ISOPP and to improving outcomes for patients worldwide. I very much look forward to “seeing” many of you online soon.
Warm wishes.
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ISOPP International Symposium 2026
28 Days to Go
| | New Members Meeting with ISOPP Management | | |
Have you just recently joined ISOPP?
Here’s an exciting opportunity to meet the President and Past-President and ask your questions or just learn more about ISOPP.
Save the Date for the Next Meetings
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 05:00 PDT
Click here for the local time of the meeting for you.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 10:00 PST
Click here for the local time of the meeting for you.
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Call for JOPP Reviewers and Featured JOPP Articles | |
If you are interested in serving as a reviewer for JOPP submissions, please send an email to Barry Goldspiel (joppeditor@isopp.org) with a short description of your reviewer experience and a copy of your curriculum vitae.
If you have published a paper in JOPP and would like that paper featured in the ISOPP Newsletter, please send the citation and a 1 to 3 sentence description of the importance of your paper to joppeditor@isopp.org.
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Barry Goldspiel
ISOPP President-Elect
Nominations Task Force Chair
president-elect@isopp.org
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A Day in the Life of a Pharmacist and Aspiring Clinical-Academic at The Royal Marsden Hospital United Kingdom
By Jurga McLean
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Around twenty-two years ago, I arrived in England from Lithuania, marking the start of a significant personal, cultural, and professional transition. Adapting to British culture meant balancing university study in a second language whilst raising children, building new social networks, and establishing myself within a new healthcare system. Working in one of the world’s busiest cities, I create space for stillness through meditation before the day begins, helping me prepare for the emotional demands of cancer care. Another highlight of my day is cycling through Richmond Park or the posh streets of Chelsea. The exercise, combined with maintaining a consistent routine regardless of weather, helps me start the day feeling disciplined, focused, and ready to meet the physical and mental demands of the hospital.
I am a rotational pharmacist and have been qualified for 11 years, all of which I have spent at The Royal Marsden Hospital, a specialist cancer centre. This long-standing commitment reflects my passion and dedication to my chosen career path. My role spans clinical oncology pharmacy and the development of my work as a clinical-academic, a career trajectory that has been different from anyone else in my department. I am deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues and mentors in pursuing the opportunity to be the first pharmacist in my team to apply for the NIHR Doctoral Research Fellowship.
I am about to begin my haematology rotation, which brings both focus and anticipation. On clinical days, I work alongside multidisciplinary teams, supporting patients through complex chemotherapy regimens. Alongside this clinical work, I dedicate time to research. My academic questions emerge directly from frontline practice, particularly around equity, access, and patient experience. Just last week, I submitted a funding proposal focused on optimising the experiences of Black women receiving systemic anticancer therapy for breast cancer. This work brings together clinical insight, patient and public involvement, and culturally informed approaches, reflecting my belief that excellent oncology practice must be both evidence-based and inclusive.
As Co-Chair of BOPA’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Subcommittee, I lead initiatives to promote inclusive cancer care. I am also an active member of the BOPA Research Subcommittee, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across the UK to make research more accessible and foster equitable practices within oncology pharmacy. Beyond committee work, I share insights from my research journey through my blog, “Musings of a Pharmacy Researcher”, helping to normalise vulnerability, build professional connections, and support a transparent and inclusive research culture.
What I love most about my job is that no two days are the same. While some aspects of patient care are familiar, each day brings new ideas, potential projects, and opportunities for collaboration. Some days are dominated by clinical work, others by research meetings, community engagement, or focused writing. Yet all are united by a shared purpose: improving cancer care and shaping the future of oncology pharmacy. Cycling home at the end of the day, I reflect on the balance I am building between practice and research. I am a pharmacist, an aspiring clinical-academic, and a lifelong learner, roles that continually inform one another and sustain my motivation to grow and contribute.
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World Cancer Day 2026
FIP & ISOPP Launch CPD Bites Cancer Series and recorded webinar
To mark World Cancer Day (February 4, 2026), ISOPP is proud to highlight the publication of the FIP CPD Bites Cancer Series, developed with ISOPP in collaboration with the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP).
These short, practice-focused videos are designed to support pharmacists worldwide with accessible, evidence-based learning that can be immediately applied in oncology practice. Topics include pharmacogenomics in cancer medicines, management of chemotherapy side effects, safe handling of oral anticancer therapies, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, and myelosuppression, with additional supportive care content now available.
To further celebrate World Cancer Day, FIP and ISOPP also delivered a dedicated collaborative webinar highlighting the importance of strengthening the oncology pharmacy workforce globally. A recording of the webinar is available here: www.isopp.org/pharmacists-action-people-centred-interventions-and-innovation-cancer
https://www.isopp.org/resources/resource-library/pharmacists-action-people-centred-interventions-and-innovation-cancer
This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the global oncology pharmacy workforce and improving outcomes for patients living with cancer — regardless of geography or resource setting.
The CPD Bites videos are freely accessible and provide an excellent opportunity for continuing professional development at your own pace.
Explore the series here: https://ncd.fip.org/cancer/cpd-bites-videos/
We thank all contributors and reviewers who made this important educational initiative possible.
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ISOPP & Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) Breast Cancer Education Bundle — A Resource for Ongoing Learning
We would like to remind members that the ISOPP & Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) Breast Cancer Education Bundle remains available as an important global learning resource.
Developed collaboratively by ISOPP and the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA), this comprehensive education bundle is designed to support pharmacists and pharmacy teams in delivering high-quality, evidence-based breast cancer care across diverse practice settings.
The programme covers key areas including:
- Principles of breast cancer treatment
- Management of treatment-related toxicities
- Supportive care strategies
- Patient counselling and holistic care
Importantly, the learning does not stop with the modules. Forum discussions remain active, providing a valuable opportunity for members to share experiences, ask questions, and reflect on how the content applies within their own healthcare systems. Contributions from colleagues in different regions enrich the dialogue and strengthen our shared understanding of best practice.
If you have not yet explored the bundle — or if you completed it earlier — we encourage you to revisit the content and join the ongoing discussions.
More information on the Breast Cancer Education Bundle here:
https://www.isopp.org/education/isopp-and-cpa-Breast-Cancer-Education-Bundle
Together, through collaboration and shared learning, we continue to advance oncology pharmacy care worldwide.
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CAPhO Conference 2026
April 23 to 26, 2026, 2026 | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CA
The CAPhO Conference 2026, presented by the Canadian Association of Pharmacy in Oncology (CAPhO), will take place from April 23 to 26, 2026 at the TCU Place, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Register now.
This year’s Conference marks a major milestone – CAPhO’s 30th anniversary – celebrating three decades of leadership, collaboration and innovation in oncology pharmacy across Canada.
The program features three CAPhO Workshops on Thursday, April 23, along with a range of sessions, sponsored symposia and networking opportunities. Participants will benefit from clinical updates, practice-focused discussions, hands-on learning and dedicated content for pharmacists, technicians, assistants, residents and students, making it an ideal opportunity to learn, collaborate and advance practice.
The Conference theme, Expanding Horizons in the Land of Living Skies, draws inspiration from Saskatchewan’s vast landscapes and ever-changing skies. It reflects the evolving nature of oncology pharmacy – shaped by innovation, compassion and lifelong learning. As advances in technology and precision medicine continue to transform cancer care, CAPhO 2026 will inspire practitioners to embrace change, expand their scope and push the boundaries of patient centered care.
Visit the Conference website for information on the program, registration and venue and accommodation. Subscribe to the CAPhO eNewsletter for automatic updates about the Conference.
Register now and join us in Saskatoon to celebrate 30 years of progress and shape the future of oncology pharmacy – together!
Not a member? Join CAPhO. Sign up for the 3-year membership and the requirement to have been an active member for at least 14 months prior to the dates of the CAPhO Conference for the member registration rate is waived.
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The 58th Annual Congress of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP 2026)
September 15 to 18, 2026 | San Antonio, Texas, USA & Online
SIOP 2026 is the premier global forum for presenting the latest advances in paediatric oncology. It offers a unique opportunity to learn from world-renowned experts in childhood cancer care and research, build meaningful professional relationships with international colleagues, foster new collaborations, and advance your career.
This year’s congress will highlight cutting-edge science across the basic, translational, and clinical spectrum of paediatric oncology, covering innovations in diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and global health. The programme will also feature abstract presentations showcasing novel research discoveries that are transforming outcomes for children and adolescents with cancer worldwide.
Be part of the continued progress in childhood cancer research and patient care by joining the global paediatric oncology community at SIOP 2026.
Key Dates:
Abstract Submission Deadline: March 17, 2026
Early Registration Deadline: June 23, 2026
For more information, visit the official website: https://siop-congress.org
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Thank you for reading this edition of the ISOPP Newsletter.
Kind Regards
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Busayo Abolarin
ISOPP Engagement and Communications Committee
Newsletter Editor
newsletter@isopp.org
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ISOPP's Society and Symposium Management Office
Sea to Sky, an MCI Company is ISOPP's Society and Symposium Management Office. We support ISOPP’s volunteer leadership (Secretariat, its Committees, Task Forces and Work Groups), its members and other stakeholders to help achieve ISOPP’s mission to advance oncology pharmacy care for patients around the world. If you have any questions about membership, services, Symposium or the Society, please contact the ISOPP Office directly as follows:
Email: membership@isopp.org
Direct: +1-604-984-6455
MCI Canada, 555 Burrard Street, 1st Floor
Vancouver, BC, Canada V7X 1M8
www.seatoskymeetings.com
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