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.
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_Pilot22Apr2026_Fillable.pdf
April 2026
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
August 2019
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
May 2024
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
May 2018
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
May 2024
Effective July 16, 2025, the BC Cancer REB no longer requires routine submissions of Periodic Safety Line Listing Reports.
Memo Submission of Periodic Safety Line Listing Reports_2025Jul16.pdf
July 2025
The document below provides background of the five-time renewal limit and the types of applications that fall within/outside the scope of this guidance.
REB Guidance 5-year renewal_v1.0_01Apr2026.pdf
April 2026
Effective June 5, 2026, for clinical trials, the BC Cancer REB does not require completion of the annual renewal PAA Coversheet sections that focus on optional studies and biobanking.
Memo - Annual Renewal Coversheet Exemption Sections_05Jun2026.pdf
June 2026
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
September 2024
Guidance for researchers producing case reports. Discusses key considerations and parameters for exemptions from REB review. Exemptions from REB Review- Case Reports_2024Sept20.pdf
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
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, January 2020
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, February 2020
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
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. September 2019.
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
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
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 a Principal Investigator on a BC Cancer research project.pdf
9 July 2020
- Clinical Research Ethics Board (CREB)
- Behavioural Research Ethics Board (BREB)
