KU Cancer Center Rural NCORP: Expanding Cancer Clinical Trials in Kansas Rural Communities
Official title: The University of Kansas Cancer Center's- MCA Rural NCORP
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11543561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A nationwide effort aims to bring more cancer clinical trials to rural Kansas and nearby areas so patients have easier access to cutting-edge care and prevention options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | August 13, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,845,975 |
| NIH project number | 4UG1CA239767-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11543561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults in rural Kansas who are eligible for cancer clinical trials or related cancer-control studies and are connected with MCA partner sites.
✕Less likely to help
Patients in urban or non-participating areas or those not eligible for available NCORP trials may not benefit from this specific network expansion.
What this research studies
This grant supports a network of rural hospitals and clinics partnered with the University of Kansas Cancer Center to increase access to cancer clinical trials and related research. It focuses on outreach, coordination, and community engagement to enroll more patients from rural areas in cancer control, prevention, treatment, and care-delivery studies. By leveraging the Masonic Cancer Alliance and KPPEPR, it seeks to reduce geographic barriers that limit trial participation. The project builds on two decades of collaboration to extend research opportunities across the KUCC catchment area. Activities include training, site support, and streamlined processes to accelerate patient access to trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients in rural communities could gain faster access to innovative cancer therapies and high-quality clinical research.
How similar studies have gone: Previous NCORP-based efforts have shown increased trial accrual and broader community participation in rural regions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Doolittle, Gary C. — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Doolittle, Gary C.
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.