Enhancing NCI-funded research at the University of Arizona Cancer Center

Abstract: The University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) is the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center headquartered in the state of Arizona. The catchment population covers the five southern counties of Arizona and is close to 40% Hispanic while also including representation from many of the 22 federally recognized Native American tribes in the state. This R50 proposal focuses on growing the clinical research enterprise at UACC, specifically in NCI-funded research and through development of a clinical trials navigation program. The plan for growth over the next five year includes growing the breadth of the clinical trial portfolio to be accessible to the diverse populations seen at UACC while also increasing accruals to interventional treatment trials, especially in NCI-sponsored trials and investigator-initiated trials (IITs). The clinical trial navigators will work to increase clinical trial literacy and decrease barriers to participation. Part of this R50 effort is also focused on growing the Arizona Clinical Trials Network (ACTN), which will bring novel therapeutic trials to the underserved and underrepresented populations across the state, not just within our catchment. The ACTN will increase diversity and representation in NCI-funded clinical trials in particular since this will be the initial set of studies that we plan to open at pilot sites. UACC is uniquely positioned to increase its impactful reach by leveraging the ACTN and providing comprehensive cancer care to rural and underserved areas in Arizona. This proposal will provide time and effort to support my roles as UACC Site Principal Investigator (PI) for the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) and as Associate Director of Clinical Investigations at UACC so that we can increase the impact of our clinical research program and support the NCI’s interest in enhancing diversity and inclusion in their research efforts.