The Myeloma Canada Research Network (MCRN) is a visionary project bringing together Canada's leading myeloma
investigators from 21 research centres in 9 provinces
across the country with the focused objective of improving outcomes of people living with myeloma.
The Board of Directors of the MCRN is proud to annou
nce t
he appointment of Mr Engin Gul
as Director of Clinical Research Operations. In this role, Engin will provide leadership and oversight to support the MCRN's national and international research initiatives. As part of the Leadership Team, Engin will participate in the development and implementation of organiz
ational strategies and best practices that ensure superior research conduct and strategic growth of the organization.
Engin has a strong clinical research background spanning more than 9 years and a record in managing clinical research operations both nationally and internationally in multiple myeloma. Prior to joining the MCRN in his current role, Engin held senior project management positions with the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC) at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre where he gained unique insights into the clinical research operation of a non-profit research organization and its collaboration with various pharmaceutical partners and research institutions.
Engin holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto and is currently in the last phase of his Executive MBA program at the Sandermoen School of Business. He is also a certified clinical research professional (CCRP) and a project management professional (PMP) through the Society of Clinical Research Professionals (SoCRA) and the Project Management Institute (PMI) respectively.
The MCRN's mission is to:
- To conduct innovative clinical and translational research in a collaborative manner to improve patient outcomes in myeloma;
- To publish evidence-based and peer-reviewed consensus statements on the diagnosis and treatment of myeloma;
- To develop a nationwide myeloma patient database
Focusing on high-impact Phase II clinical trials, the MCRN brings meaningful value through its network of internationally recognized investigators who are willing to share their expertise in leading-edge myeloma research technologies:
- Genomics
- Drug target evaluation
- Minimal residual disease
- Mechanisms of resistance
- Cell therapy
- Immunotherapy
- High-risk disease
How will patients benefit?
- Increased access to more trials in more centres across Canada. In addition to the traditional "Big 6" centres (Toronto, Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver, Edmonton and Montreal), the MCRN includes many other research centres in communities across Canada, bringing more treatment options to more patients.
- Patient representation on the Clinical Trial Steering Committee and the Protocol Review Committee will ensure the patient voice is included in developing the strategic direction of the group and the design of the clinical trials themselves.
- The MCRN National Myeloma Database will provide real-world information to help guide clinical decision-making to improve patient outcomes
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are increasingly aware of the MCRN and have expressed interested in conducting more clinical research here in Canada because of the uniqueness of the MCRN model: a collaboration among Canada's world-class researchers that promotes the collective involvement of patients
With a proven record of being able to successf
ully conduct national trials and the ability to incorporate leading technologies into clinical trial designs, the MCRN is poised to become a significant player on the international stage.
The MCRN currently has 3 clinical trials in its portfolio:
MCRN 001:
Busulfan & Melphalan Conditioning for Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) and Lenalidomide Maintenance (BuMel)
MCRN 002:
Phase 1b/2 Study of Selinexor (KPT-330) in Combination w/ Backbone Treatments for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (STOMP)
MCRN 003:
High-Dose Weekly Carfilzomib Plus Cyclophosphamide and Dexamethasone (KCd) in the Treatment
of Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
