By Lynne Nakashima, BSc(Pharm), PharmD, FCAPhO, FISOPP
I was honoured to represent ISOPP at the Network for Collaborative Oncology Development and Advancement (NCODA) Global Oncology & Haematology Congress, held March 11-12, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland.
This international meeting was designed to unite leaders in oncology for two days of collaboration and innovation in patient-centered cancer care. It was a global professional network, bringing together an interdisciplinary group of health care professionals and industry partners from over 20 different countries.
The topics were rich and diverse with thought-provoking discussions. I was paired with Michael Ganio from the American Society for Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) to speak on the topic of Sustainable Oncology: Innovative Solutions to Global Drug Shortages. Michael provided a perspective on the global problem while I focused on some of the strategies for coping with drug shortages. This is an ongoing concern for all of us, and the audience engagement in the topic demonstrated that the concerns are widespread. Other topics of particular interest include AI driven cancer care, oncology from every angle: regulatory, clinical and commercialization and care closer to home initiatives. It was also interesting to hear the perspective of the pharmaceutical representatives on the challenges of bringing medications to the market in a rapidly changing environment. I thought the program was very strong and the speakers were excellent.
There were many opportunities to meet new and old colleagues from around the world, and it was a pleasure to share ideas and chat with so many incredible people. It was also fun to meet other ISOPP members! I also took a couple of extra days to spend some time enjoying Dublin, which is full of history and amazing architecture. If you are ever there, do stop by Sweny’s Pharmacy. It is the Pharmacy made famous by James Joyce in his book, Ulysees, when the fictional Leopold Bloom visits Sweny’s pharmacy to pick up a prescription and while there, he buys a bar of lemon soap, which becomes his lucky charm. Today, it is no longer a pharmacy, but rather, a bookstore and a landmark, but you can still buy a bar of lemon soap!
Thank you to ISOPP and NCODA for this amazing experience and opportunity and hopefully, ISOPP can again participate next year!