Enhancing Connection and Communication with Community-Based Oncology Practices to Improve Cancer Clinical Trial Recruitment: The ECCO Study
Carma Bylund
PhDUniversity of Florida
Project Term: July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2029
In collaboration with 10 community-based oncology practice sites, this study will implement a multi-level intervention trial to test the effectiveness of two community oncology strategies designed to increase trial accrual by focusing on a) enhancing the relationship between community oncologists and trial PIs and reducing barriers to referral, and b) an interactive online training focusing on improving community oncologists’ knowledge and attitudes about trials, as well as their ability to discuss clinical trials with their patients.
Attaining the full benefit of cancer research requires clinical trial participation by patients representing the diversity of the U.S. population. Yet, trial accrual is low, at about 5-8% of cancer patients, with participation by members of underrepresented populations (e.g., those who live in rural areas, racial/ethnic minoritized groups, and older adults) even lower. One of many barriers to clinical trial accrual is a lack of connection between community oncology practices, where most cancer patients receive treatment, and academic cancer centers where most trials are offered and that have support for research activities and patient recruitment. In collaboration with 10 community-based oncology practice sites, this study will implement a multi-level intervention trial to test the effectiveness of two community oncology strategies designed to increase trial accrual. The first strategy, Enhanced Connection, will focus on enhancing the relationship between community oncologists and Principal Investigators of relevant trials and reducing barriers to referral. The second strategy, Enhanced Communication, will include an interactive online training focused on enhancing community oncologists’ knowledge and attitudes about trials, as well as their ability to discuss clinical trials with their patients.