Expanding Patient Access and Diversity in Clinical Trials
The National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program predicts that 238,340 individuals will face a lung and bronchus cancer diagnosis in the United States by the close of 2023.
In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we’re shedding light on the collective efforts of CARE, Multicare, Northwest Medical Specialties, the National Cancer Institute, and organizations across the globe to propel lung cancer research forward and discover new pathways for both preventing and treating the disease.
A crucial aspect of this pursuit involves expanding access and diversity in clinical trials to support current cancer patients, and create a legacy of enhanced access, treatment, and hope for future generations.
Multicare Health Systems and South Sound CARE Foundation have recently partnered to increase access and expand the diversity of participants in the Pragmatica-Lung Study (S2302), a Phase 3 randomized clinical trial assessing the efficacy of a two-drug combination non-chemotherapy treatment (Ramucirumab plus Pembrolizumab) versus standard care for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). What sets this NCI-supported clinical trial apart is its design that eliminates many traditional barriers to participation. Non-academic centers will be able to include their patients as well, promoting a more diverse participant pool and insights that may significantly contribute to future cancer research and broaden the scope of treatments available.
Annie Reedy, Chief Research & Education Officer at MultiCare, shares her insights, emphasizing the significance of community organizations collaborating to expand clinical trial access and research.
“With 40 years of experience in cancer research, MultiCare has cultivated a strong relationship with the National Cancer Institute which we are excited to leverage in this partnership with South Sound CARE Foundation and Northwest Medical Specialties. Together, we are creating an ecosystem where the necessary tools to fight this disease are available close to home.”
Our hope is that the Pragmatica-Lung Study will not only contribute valuable insights to lung cancer research, but will also serve as a roadmap for the design, accessibility, and diversity of future clinical trials in the Puget Sound Region and beyond.
