Enhancing accrual across gynecologic and solid tumor trials

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT My clinical research program focuses on improving the lives of all women with gynecologic malignancies. I serve as the lead for the clinical trials program in Gynecologic Oncology (GYO) and as institutional Principal Investigator (PI) for the NRG/NCTN. My position in the University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center (UVACCC) and the UVA School of Medicine (SOM) is unique. I spend 50% of my effort as a practicing Gynecologic Oncologist and clinical researcher, where I maintain a thriving surgical and chemotherapy practice. The other 50% of my effort is spent as Associate Dean for Clinical Research for the SOM. In this role, I oversee the building and maintenance of all clinical research infrastructure, including the Clinical Trials Office, which serves the entire SOM. I am therefore uniquely positioned to conduct clinical research as well as build critical clinical research infrastructure for the UVACCC and the entire SOM. This award will allow me to decrease my surgical activity to focus on the following three goals: (1) Increase UVACCC accrual depth and breadth in NCTN/ETCTN clinical trials by identifying and overcoming both provider and patient barriers; (2) Increase UVA leadership and collaboration in new clinical trials through the NCTN/ETCTN mechanism via mentorship and partnership with translational researchers and multi-disciplinary groups; and (3) Capitalize on my role in the Dean’s office and my own clinical research expertise to streamline clinical trial development, review, and activation in the SOM. I will achieve these goals by leveraging my dual strengths in clinical research and mentoring young investigators along with my administrative role in the Dean’s office, which will enable me to build additional infrastructure school-wide. These activities will increase UVA’s involvement in NCTN/ETCTN trials to benefit all patients treated at UVACCC.