Research | CANOC

Research Themes

The CANOC Centre’s research program focuses on 5 critical aspects of HIV care.

1. Burden of Aging Associated Co-Morbidities

An increasing proportion of Canadians on antiretroviral therapy are over 50 years of age. Advancing age comes with an increased risk of liver disease, renal disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. To date, there is a critical gap with regard to how these comorbidities affect the health outcomes and health care needs of older HIV-positive individuals. Investigating these comorbidities within the cohort will help inform clinical and research priorities.

Renal outcomes working group
Led by Dr. Mark Hull and Dr. Marianne Harris
Liver outcomes working group
Led by Dr. Marina Klein and Dr. Curtis Cooper
Cancer working group
Led by Dr. Ann Burchell
Cardiovascular working group
Led by Dr. Marek Smieja

2. Quality of HIV Care

There are significant gaps in the HIV care continuum. Late HIV diagnosis, lack of retention in HIV care, and suboptimal adherence to ART are ongoing problems. This research area within the CANOC Centre will develop indicators to test and compare the quality of HIV care services across Canada.

Team leaders: Dr. Ahmed Bayoumi, Dr. Clare Liddy, Dr. Viviane Lima

3. Quality of Life

Combination antiretroviral therapy has dramatically improved life expectancy and the quality of life of people living with HIV in Canada. It is crucial to estimate the quality of life among individuals on cART, as significant changes to this measure may correspond to new cART regimens, aging-related comorbidities, and other events along the clinical course.

Team leaders: Dr. Ahmed Bayoumi and Dr. Bohdan Nosyk

4. Cost-Effectiveness of Interventions for Modern HIV Management

Economic evaluation is critical for optimizing resource allocation in HIV management. Determining the cost-effectiveness of emerging ART treatment regimens, screening, diagnosis, and interventions to improve retention in care will help identify strategies that maximize health outcomes using available resources.

Team leaders: Dr. Ahmed Bayoumi and Dr. Bohdan Nosyk

5. Comparative Effectiveness and Drug Safety of Modern ART

Older ART regimens have demonstrated adverse side effects. Going forward, it is important to examine the comparative effectiveness and safety of antiretroviral drugs and medications used to treat comorbid conditions. This will help inform future use of the safest and most beneficial drug regimens.

Team leader: Dr. Tony Antoniou