West Virginia Rural Roots to Research: bringing clinical trials to Appalachian communities
Official title: West Virginia Rural Roots to Research
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-11618657 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A wide-network program in rural West Virginia is building patient-friendly clinical trials so people in Appalachia have better access to new cancer treatments and care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2026 |
| Project end | September 17, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,697,994 |
| NIH project number | 4OT2OD038378-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11618657 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults in rural West Virginia with cancer or at risk for cancer who are eligible for ongoing or upcoming clinical trials within the WVR3 network.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not matched to any active or upcoming trial within the WVR3 network or unable to participate due to health or logistical reasons may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant creates a regional clinical trials network across rural WV communities to make it easier for patients to participate in cancer-related studies. It uses centralized regulatory support, a mobile trials unit, regionally based research coordinators, and electronic consent to simplify participation. The project emphasizes clear communication with communities through forums before, during, and after trials to build trust and engagement. Five rural clinical sites will collaborate with WVCTSI and WVPBRN to expand access to trials and improve trial quality in primary care settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Patients in rural Appalachia could access cutting-edge cancer care and contribute to research that may improve local health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous regional trial networks have shown it is feasible to improve trial access and enrollment in rural communities through centralized support and local coordinators.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hodder, Sally Lynn — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Hodder, Sally Lynn
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.