Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is OCREB?
The Ontario Cancer Research Ethics Board (OCREB) is an independent ethics committee responsible for reviewing and overseeing the conduct of cancer research clinical studies involving human participants in Ontario.
What types of research does OCREB review?
OCREB’s mandate is to review multi-site oncology clinical trials . For the purposes of its current mandate, “multi-centre” is defined as more than one participating Ontario centre using OCREB as the REB of Record, and “clinical trial” is defined as any research that prospectively assigns human participants to one or more health-related interventions to evaluate the effects on health outcomes.
Who can submit research proposals to OCREB?
Researchers, institutions, and research teams conducting cancer-related studies involving human participants in Ontario.
How do I submit my research proposal for ethical review?
Proposals must be submitted online through the CTO Stream portal.
What are the key dates and deadlines for OCREB submissions?
- Full Board meetings are held on the second Friday of each month.
- The submission deadline for new studies, amendments and continuing review applications is noon the 4th Tuesday of each month.
- It’s recommended to submit initial applications as early as possible.
- For deadlines and more details, see Meeting Schedule.
How do I complete an OCREB application?
- OCREB applications are submitted via the CTO Streamlined Ethics review process.
- CTO Manuals and Guides for Applicants are also available here.
- Applicants must have a CTO account in order to create a submission.
- For OCREB studies, Consent templates must follow OCREB’s templates.
- For guidance on how to complete application forms for OCREB, annotated forms are also on the OCREB website in the Applicants section.
- For technical support with CTO Streamline issues, please contact the CTO Helpdesk: https://support.ctontario.ca/
What should I include in my initial application?
Your application should include:
- The most current version of the Protocol
- Consent Forms
- Scientific Review Letters (if applicable)
- Signature Pages (if applicable, including Tx Beyond Progression/Re-start/Re-Challenge/Cross-Over)
- Recruitment Materials (if applicable)
- Participant-facing materials (e.g., Wallet Card, Study Brochures, Drug Diaries)
- Questionnaires (if applicable, paper or electronic)
- Investigator Brochure(s) for investigational products
- Demographics Page CRF
- Study Budget
- Safety Board Charter (if applicable)
- Translated Materials (if applicable, including certificates of translation)
How long does the review process take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the study, typically ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months. Applicants can expect a letter of modification within 5 business days after a Full Board meeting. If additional time is needed, this will be communicated promptly.
What ethical guidelines does OCREB follow?
OCREB adheres to national and international standards, including the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS2), as well as relevant provincial and federal regulations.
How will I know the status of my application?
You will receive updates via email or through the online portal regarding review decisions and any required revisions.
Who do I contact for questions about the review process?
Contact details, including email and phone support, are available on the OCREB website at Contact.