BC College Cites 'The Cancer Guy' for Practicing Medicine

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. has filed a petition in B.C. Supreme Court seeking a permanent injunction against Alexander Rolland. Rolland is the founder of Cancer Treatment Options and Management Inc. (CTOAM), an online service providing personalized cancer care and precision oncology advice.

The College alleges that Rolland and his associates are violating provincial health regulations by diagnosing, assessing patients, recommending treatments, and managing care. Their websites and YouTube channel imply they are qualified to perform actions restricted to regulated health practitioners. Services offered by CTOAM range from $2,000 to $20,000, with clients potentially incurring additional monthly costs of over $10,000 for recommended medications.

This legal action is supported by affidavits from two medical oncologists who have encountered patients who sought second opinions from Rolland's company. These oncologists expressed concerns about the quality of advice and its potential to mislead patients, citing instances where patients were recommended experimental drugs or advised against approved treatments. Some patients reportedly became distrustful of their oncologists due to conflicting information from CTOAM.

Rolland, who holds a PhD in medical genetics, describes CTOAM as a supportive arm within mainstream healthcare, bridging the gap between research and patient care. However, the College contends that Rolland has significantly overstepped regulatory boundaries, directly influencing treatment plans and advising clients on their cancer prognosis. Some consultants named in the petition are licensed elsewhere but are not permitted to practice in B.C. without provincial licensure. The allegations in the petition have not yet been proven in court.