Easier access to biomarker-based cancer trials

Overcoming Challenges Posed by Biomarker-Selective Clinical Trials: The Role of a Research Specialist

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11284028

This project will build a molecular registry, EMR alerts, and patient education to help cancer patients with specific tumor biomarkers find and join matching clinical trials.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11284028 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you have cancer, this work aims to make it simpler for you to learn whether a biomarker-driven clinical trial fits your tumor. The team will create a molecular registry to match test results to trial eligibility and add electronic medical record alerts so doctors get notified when you may qualify. They will also provide clear, timely education to patients about what biomarkers mean for treatment choices and trial options. The effort focuses on improving timely referrals and reducing gaps for underserved populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are cancer patients who have had molecular testing that shows potentially targetable biomarkers and who receive care at the sponsoring cancer center or its affiliated clinics.

Not a fit: Patients without molecular testing, whose tumors lack actionable biomarkers, or who do not receive care at the participating center may not benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Patients could get faster identification for biomarker-matched trials, access to targeted treatments, and more equitable chances to enroll.

How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches using registries and EMR alerts have improved identification of eligible patients in some centers, though equity gaps and implementation challenges remain.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancer CenterComprehensive Cancer Center
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.