USC PE-GCS: Optimizing Engagement of Hispanic Colorectal Cancer Patients in Cancer Genomic Characterization Studies

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. Populations exhibiting variability in colorectal cancer outcomes, especially those experiencing higher incidence rates and early-onset CRC, require more thorough genomic characterization. Current genomic research has extensively characterized CRC but lacks sufficient representation of patients with early onset and adverse clinical outcomes. Comprehensive molecular characterization is crucial for determining whether observed clinical variations are correlated with specific genomic factors or biological pathways. To achieve significant advances in genomic characterization research, improved strategies for participant recruitment, consent, and engagement are required. Effective participant involvement in research is crucial for advancing precision medicine initiatives and ensuring robust translational biomedical research outcomes. Developing optimized methods to engage and retain research participants throughout all stages of genomic research, from initial recruitment through results dissemination, will enhance scientific validity, strengthen participant-researcher relationships, and potentially improve clinical outcomes. To address these needs, we established the USC Center for Optimization of Participant Engagement in Cancer Characterization (COPECC). This Center specializes in optimizing recruitment and retention methods for genomic research related to colorectal cancer. As part of the NCI U2C Participant Engagement and Cancer Genome Sequencing (PE-CGS) Network, USC COPECC employs rigorous scientific methodologies for participant engagement, data collection, genomic analysis, and results dissemination. The overall objective of USC COPECC is to generate scientifically robust data and standardized engagement practices to enhance research participation and optimize outcomes in CRC genomic research across populations with different genomic profiles.