Faces of PharmSci: Kinda Karra

What is your academic background and why is this area of research important?

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy from the University of Toronto and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Colorado, Denver. Following my Bachelor's degree, I completed a hospital pharmacy residency program at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Currently, I am pursuing my Masters of Science in Pharmacy (MScPhm) degree at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Department. My research focuses on the immunologic biomarkers associated with Taxane Acute Pain Syndrome (TAPS) and the use of blood microsampling techniques to detect these biomarkers in breast cancer patients. This research is crucial because it addresses the need for more tailored and targeted therapies to treat TAPS in patients receiving taxane chemotherapy. Currently, TAPS is poorly managed, leaving patients with few effective options for pain relief. Advancing our understanding of the mechanisms underlying TAPS, a common and sometimes limiting adverse effect of taxane treatment, is vital for improving patient outcomes and enhancing side effect management and prevention.

What led you to your current Supervisor’s research group?

I was drawn to Dr. Carlo DeAngelis's team because of his pioneering work in understanding the immune system's role in causing side effects of anti-cancer treatments, particularly pain. His research on Taxane Acute Pain Syndrome (TAPS) particularly intrigued me, as it aligns with my interests in improving patient outcomes and side effect management. Dr. DeAngelis has led comprehensive assessments of TAPS, characterizing it in terms of symptoms, onset, and severity. His team is now examining the underlying mechanisms of TAPS and exploring whether cannabis can help prevent it.

Additionally, the opportunity to work in a clinical setting at the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital offers a great perspective on conducting clinical research in a real-world setting. The Odette Cancer Centre is a highly specialized comprehensive cancer program, ranked among the best in North America. This environment is extremely valuable and enriching, providing access to a diverse patient population and state-of-the-art facilities. The collaborative environment and access to cutting-edge technology made it an ideal place for me to further my research. The opportunity to work on innovative projects, such as using blood microsampling techniques to detect immunologic biomarkers associated with TAPS, was a significant factor in my decision. Moreover, my interest lies in translational research, aiming to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical practice, making this lab an ideal fit for my goals.

What are some of the challenges you had to overcome while pursuing your research?

I anticipate several challenges in my research on immunologic biomarkers associated with Taxane Acute Pain Syndrome (TAPS). Standardizing and validating biomarker analysis will be crucial, as variability in sample collection, data processing, and interpretation can lead to inconsistencies. To address this, I plan to use validated assays for a set cytokine panel and collaborate with world-class laboratories to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Conducting research at the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre will also present unique difficulties. Balancing clinical research with patient care will require strong organizational and time-management skills. Patient recruitment may be challenging due to factors such as lack of awareness, trust issues, and stringent eligibility criteria. To overcome this, I will implement effective recruitment strategies and work closely with oncologists and research staff to educate patients about the study and its benefits.

Managing patient anxiety will be another key concern. I will be working with newly diagnosed cancer patients receiving therapy for the first time, which can be overwhelming. To address this, I will use a pre-planned script that acknowledges their situation and emphasizes the voluntary nature of the research. Teaching patients to use dried blood swabs for sample collection may also be demanding. To ensure proper technique, I plan to take some samples while patients are in the Centre, allowing them to practice before collecting samples at home.

Despite these anticipated challenges, I believe overcoming them will be incredibly rewarding and will significantly enhance my skills and knowledge in translational research.

How do you see your current research playing a role in your career?

My current research on immunologic biomarkers associated with Taxane Acute Pain Syndrome (TAPS) is laying a strong foundation for my future career in translational medicine. Through this work, I am gaining valuable skills in biomarker analysis, clinical research, and patient recruitment, which are essential for this field.

Working at the Odette Cancer Centre has provided me with a real-world perspective on translating bench research into clinical practice. This experience is crucial for bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and patient care. Additionally, my exposure to oncology clinical care has deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by cancer patients and healthcare providers, enabling me to formulate more clinically relevant research questions and develop targeted interventions.

Furthermore, my research is contributing to a better understanding of TAPS, potentially leading to more effective treatments and improved patient outcomes. I plan to continue exploring new therapeutic approaches and developing targeted interventions for managing chemotherapy-induced pain. I am also committed to generating real-world evidence and improving processes to ensure research findings are effectively implemented in clinical settings.

Collaborating with world-class laboratories and healthcare professionals has expanded my professional network, providing opportunities for future collaborations and career growth. Overall, my current research is enhancing my expertise and positioning me to make meaningful contributions to translational medicine, real-world evidence generation, and process improvement.

What do you like to do when you are not working on research?

When I'm not immersed in research, I love staying active and spending quality time with my family. On weekends, you'll often find me doing Pilates and Tabata training to keep fit and energized. I also enjoy taking long hikes with my family and our four-year-old beagle, Maple, on the beautiful trails behind our home.

Maple and I have recently started participating in fundraising activities, such as walks and runs for various cancer causes. It's a wonderful way for us to stay active while contributing to important causes. Plus, it's a lot of fun and incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact we can make together!

If you are an international student or Postdoctoral Fellow, how have you found life in Toronto?

Moving from Montreal to Toronto for my degree has been quite the adventure! I knew Toronto from my undergraduate days, and it's amazing to see how vibrant and ever-changing the city is. While there have been challenges, the rewards in terms of educational, professional, and social experiences have been incredible.

Toronto is a city that never sleeps, with a perfect balance of excitement and tranquility. The food scene is fantastic, offering a culinary journey around the world without leaving the city.

One of the highlights has been the sports culture. While I still have a soft spot for Montreal's Canadiens, I've grown to appreciate the passion of Toronto's sports fans. Whether it's cheering for the Raptors, the Blue Jays, or the Maple Leafs, the energy is contagious. The friendly rivalry between Montreal and Toronto teams adds an extra layer of fun.

Overall, life in Toronto has been a whirlwind of new experiences and opportunities. It's a city that welcomes you with open arms and keeps you on your toes with its dynamic and diverse environment.