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Our Policies, Procedures & Guidance

The BC Cancer REB is UBC-affiliated and complies with many of their policies, procedures, and guidelines (see UBC Policies & SOPs) and aligns with the UBC Clinical Research Ethics Board (CREB) with some institution-specific differences. 

All persons who are involved in research at BC Cancer are responsible for familiarizing themselves with these policies, procedures, and guidelines, as well as ensuring compliance with all relevant and applicable regulations, such as TCPS2 2022 and FDA Regulations.

Guidelines, policies, & SOPs

Effective date/ version date

Study type specific guidances

AI/ML studies (updated):
Research involving artificial intelligence (AI) and/or machine learning (ML) should address ethical and scientific considerations specific to AI/ML studies as outlined in the below submission checklist. REB reviewers will provide this to researchers to complete if one is not attached to their RISe application:
AI-ML Application Checklist_Pilot20Sept2024.docx

Chart reviews:
Below document outlines the principles/procedures relating to the ethical review and conduct of chart reviews, including guidance on obtaining consent, waiver of consent, and post-approval activities:
Guidance for Chart Reviews.August 2019.pdf

Studies using biobanks:
Studies using samples, data, and/or services from established biobanks require completion of the Biobank Utilization Form (below), which acts as confirmation of biobank's support of the REB application. Please refer to the guidance document for a step-by-step procedure:
Biobank Utilization Form.pdf
Biobank Utilization Review Guidance.pdf

Combined phase I/II clinical trials:
In absence of phase I results, proposals of combined phase I/II clinical trials can raise ethical concerns related to participant safety. However, recognizing potential benefits of such trial designs, below guideline was developed to protect research participants and to assist on framing the REB submissions for timely review: 
Guidelines for Combined Phase I and II Clinical Trials. May 2018.pdf

Industry-sponsored clinical trials:     
Effective May 27, 2024, the BC Cancer REB no longer requires clinical trial agreements to be attached to the REB application forms.
Memo- CTAs submission no longer required_2024May27.pdf
                                


September 2024








August 2019






May2024









May 2018










May 2024

Is your project research, QA/QI, or other?

Quality improvement/quality assurance

In collaboration with the Continuous Improvement and Performance Team, we developed this guidance to assist in determining if your project is considered research:

QI vs Research -Infographic_09 Sept 2022.pdf

Case reports

Guidance for researchers producing case reports. Discusses key considerations and parameters for exemptions from REB review.

Exemptions from REB Review- Case Reports_2024Sept20.pdf

September 2024

What should I do in case of a privacy breach?

Refer to the guidance and infographic below for processes and specific considerations for privacy breaches involving research participants:
Guidance on Research Privacy Breaches.pdf
Privacy Breach Infographic.pdf


May 2024

Interpreters & translated documents

All documents for all research studies are expected to be presented in a language understandable to the participant. See guidance below for resources, references, definitions and FAQs:
Guidance on the Use of Interpreters and Translated Documents.December 2019.pdf

Use this hints and tips document for considerations on how applicable the above guidance is to your study:
Hints and Tips on the Use of Interpreters and Translated Documents.February 2020.pdf

January 2020








February 2020

Multi-jurisdictional review process

The document describes the scope, definition and the review process of multi-jurisdictional research involving human participants within British Columbia:
Guidance for Ethical Review of BC Cancer Multi-Jurisdictional Research.pdf

December 2019

Health Canada Special Access Program (SAP) and REB approval

Upon request, Health Canada's SAP may allow for compassionate access to a drug that is unavailable for sale in Canada. The determination is made on a patient-by-patient bases, with limited access to provision to patients with serious or life-threatening conditions.

REB submissions of SAP requests are not required; all regulatory requirements should be dealt directly with Health Canada.

HC Special Access Program and REB Review.pdf

September 2019

Student research

Student Research Guidance.pdf 

Student Research Flow Chart.pdf

UBC Notice to Researchers Adding Students and Adding Funding Oct 2017.pdf

NOTE: A student researcher cannot be a principal investigator on a BC Cancer research study. Please see guidance below for information on qualifications to be a PI on a study.


May 2019

Use of third party search companies

BC Cancer REB deems that the use of third-party vendor search companies is not appropriate within the Canadian clinical trials context. See letter for more information:
Letter - Third Party Search Companies.2019.pdf
26 February 2019

Who can be principal investigators at BC Cancer

Who Can Be a Principal Investigator on a BC Cancer research project.pdf

9 July 2020

UBC's general guidance notes

  • Clinical Research Ethics Board (CREB)
  • Behavioural Research Ethics Board (BREB)


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