Improving diverse patient access to cancer clinical trials
The ECOG-ACRIN SUPPORT Trial: Multilevel Intervention to Improve Diverse Enrollment in Cancer Clinical Trials
This program uses a research literacy tool and resource navigators to help people with cancer, especially those from underrepresented communities, get referred to and join NCI-supported cancer clinical trials.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ecog-Acrin Medical Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182633 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, the ECOG-ACRIN team will provide a SUPPORT Toolkit that includes easy-to-understand trial information and dedicated resource navigators who work directly with patients, doctors, and clinic staff. Navigators will help you understand trial options, streamline referrals, and address practical barriers like scheduling or paperwork. The intervention will be rolled out at participating community oncology sites and the team will track whether more diverse patients are referred and enroll in active NCI therapeutic trials. Participation may involve brief education sessions and conversations with a navigator to explore trial eligibility and next steps.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with a cancer diagnosis who receive care at participating community oncology clinics, particularly patients from underrepresented racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic groups who may be eligible for NCI therapeutic trials.
Not a fit: Patients who do not receive care at participating sites or who are not eligible for current NCI therapeutic trials are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more diverse patients could gain earlier access to cutting-edge treatments through increased referral and enrollment in clinical trials.
How similar studies have performed: Previous patient navigation and education programs have improved trial awareness and enrollment in some settings, but combining a research literacy tool with resource navigators across many community sites is a newer, larger-scale approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Ecog-Acrin Medical Research Foundation — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simon, Melissa a. — Ecog-Acrin Medical Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Simon, Melissa a.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.