The Collaboration and Infrastructure Program for Diversifying Blood Cancer Clinical Trials
Andrew Hantel
MDDana-Farber Cancer Institute
Project Term: July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2030
This study will evaluate the effectiveness of two integrated initiatives aimed at enhancing enrollment of minoritized patients in blood cancer clinical trials. The first initiative aims to increase access to trials by utilizing procedures and technology that facilitate referral of patients from community sites of care to an academic cancer center, fostering physician collaboration, and supporting patient navigation. The second initiative seeks to lower trial design-related barriers at the cancer center through equity-focused alterations to the trial development infrastructure and processes combined with a comprehensive staff engagement strategy.
Individuals minoritized by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status are underrepresented in blood cancer clinical trials. Research and federal guidance have identified barriers to equitable site access and trial infrastructure as central obstacles to sustained participation equity. This study will test the independent and combined effectiveness of two initiatives aimed at improving enrollment of minoritized patients. The first (Collaboration Initiative) aims to reduce site-access barriers through academic-community physician collaboration and patient navigation. The second (Infrastructure Initiative) aims to lower trial design-related barriers through equity-focused alterations to the trial development infrastructure. The combined LLS Collaboration and Infrastructure Program (LLS CIP) will also be evaluated.