From the Co-Chairs, September 2024
September 17, 2024Trial Results: ECOG-ACRIN Research Round-Up
October 17, 2024News in Brief, October 2024
ASCO Quality Care Symposium Features EAQ171CD
Co-lead investigator Elyse R. Park, PhD (third from right in the photo), discussed the primary results of EAQ171CD as part of a panel on Leveraging Technology to Support Patient-Centered Multidisciplinary Oncologic Care at the 2024 ASCO Quality Care Symposium in San Francisco. The study showed that a telehealth-based intervention together with nicotine replacement therapy is effective at helping patients with cancer to quit smoking and can be broadly implemented nationwide. Learn more in this ASCO Daily News article or read the abstract.
Eligibility and Access Expand in the EAQ211 Trial
The study chair for this trial is Bradley J. Zebrack, PhD (University of Michigan).
The prospective observational study EAQ211 aims to better understand how the world that adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma live in affects the outcomes of their cancer treatment. Through a series of blood tests and patient questionnaires, it seeks to establish associations between social-environmental risk factors and alterations in the activity of genes and immune cells. To enhance accrual, a recent protocol amendment was approved, which expands eligibility to now include survivors up to 3 years after they complete treatment.
Also, people interested in joining the trial may now self-refer to the study. Self-referring patients can access a screening survey via a hyperlink or QR code from flyers that are being distributed by AYA patient service organizations, including but not limited to Stupid Cancer, TeenCancerAmerican, Elephants and Tea/Steven G Foundation, Cactus Cancer Society, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. University of Michigan staff will pre-screen the data submitted by self-referred AYAs for eligibility, then securely send the patient’s contact information to five NCORP sites serving as portals of entry.
Access to the EAQ211 trial is now available at select sites outside NCORP. These sites include the Stanford Cancer Institute in Palo Alto, CA; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and some of its affiliate sites; and Wilmot Cancer Center in Rochester, NY, and some of its affiliate sites.
All of these changes to the trial protocol are part of Addendum #5. Please refer to the protocol documents at www.ctsu.org.
TMIST Update
The study chair for this trial is Etta D. Pisano, MD (American College of Radiology).
Enrollment is nearing completion in the Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST) with 105,991 women participating as of October 11, 2024. The trial is expected to reach its accrual goal by late December 2024 or January 2025. Study leaders welcomed the first trial site in the country of Spain: Parc Tauli Hospital Universitari in Sabadell. Also, Hospital Sotero del Rio in Puente Alto is now participating, which expands the trial’s footprint in South America. Learn more about TMIST and access the latest newsletter for clinical sites and educational resources on ecog-acrin.org.
There is Still Time to Register for the Fall Group Meeting
The Fall Group Meeting is quickly approaching, but there is still time to register! Join us in person November 6-8 in Fort Lauderdale, FL (or online!). Register now and then visit the Group Meeting website to view the schedule and other important information.
Important note: Special accommodations have been prepared for this meeting, and most open sessions will be hybrid (available both in-person and virtually). Please also note that the meeting begins the day after Election Day. Be sure to plan accordingly.
Featured Sessions
Group leaders encourage attendees to take part in the following sessions (all times below are Eastern Time):
Wednesday, November 6
- Health Equity Committee | 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
- Task Force on Advancement for Women Update | 7:00-8:00 PM
- Advancement for Women Networking Hour - All Welcome | 8:00-9:00 PM
Thursday, November 7
- Young Investigator Symposium | 8:00-10:00 AM
- Social Determinants of Health Working Group | 2:00-3:00 PM
- General Session | 5:30-7:30 PM
- Reception | 7:30-9:00 PM
Friday, November 8
- Pharmacist, Oncology Nurse, CRA/Data Manager Education Symposium | 8:00-10:00 AM
- TMIST Update and Education Session | 9:00-10:00 AM
Clinical Research Professionals Training Lab
ECOG-ACRIN is pleased to offer a computer lab during the Fall Group Meeting. Computers will be set up for site personnel to view and explore various educational and reference materials, including the new Training Reference Library of videos recently launched on YouTube! One or more room moderators, including ECOG-ACRIN staffers from departments such as Audit and Data Management, will be available to answer questions and to help with any of the resources. Sign up for a time slot and make sure to include your email so that you receive a reminder beforehand!
New Report Shows Increase in Cancer Clinical Trial Participation Rate
An analysis recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology provides an update on estimates of clinical trial participation for adults with cancer. Researchers found that the overall approximate patient participation rate for treatment trials was 7.1% from 2013-2017, higher than historical estimates of less than 5%. To determine this, the authors reviewed data from accreditation information submitted by 1,200 Commission on Cancer programs. They also found that patients participated in a diverse set of study types, including biorepository, registry, genetic, quality-of-life, diagnostic, and economic studies. Read the report here.