Each Summit has been successful in moving
the needle toward improvement – helping to make increased
accrual for cancer-related clinical trials become a reality.
Please see the Summit Series Outcome Fact Sheet for a complete summary of the Summit's progress.
In an effort to move the Summit from discussion to implementation,
six work groups were created (at Summit V in 2001) to address
the primary issues affecting the current trials system. The groups
looked at Web-based information, recruitment and retention methods,
education of consumers, accrual strategies, private vs. public
sector roles and responsibilities, and trial design and regulatory
processes.
To increase productivity, these six work groups have since been
reorganized. Today there are four work groups, each addressing
different issues and developing solutions leading to tangible
outcomes. The Conveners have received detailed proposals,
including implementation timelines, from each group.
PATIENT COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION
Accomplishments: |
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Developed a Web site resource guide for patients, Questions To Ask About A Clinical Trial Web Site, which is now “live” on the National Cancer Institute’s Web site (www.nci.nih.gov). This guide helps patients evaluate
the quality of the wealth of clinical trials information
available online.
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Next Steps:
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Construct a patient clinical trials information guide
(print materials).
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Design and maintain a database on
Web-based clinical trials information for patients.
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HEALTH CARE PROVIDER RESOURCES
FOR SUCCESSFUL CLINICAL TRIALS PARTICIPATION
Accomplishments: |
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Generating an on-line tool kit for health care providers that will help enhance recruitment and retention to their clinical trials. The tool kit will contain proven recruitment techniques and posters and other related materials.
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Next Steps:
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Finalize virtual clinical trials tool kit content
that will address recruitment and retention for providers,
institutions, and organizations.
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ADEQUATE REIMBURSEMENT
OF RESEARCH COSTS
Accomplishments: |
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Developing a financial guide for research institutions
that will become at “Blue Book”.
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Next Steps:
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Produce “Manual for Successful Clinical
Trials” to include a budget checklist, based on financial
guide.
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Collaborate with (and to be underwritten by)
C-Change (formerly the National Dialogue on Cancer).
a. Hold a conference to review group plan.
b. Develop a proposal (issue a RFP) to hire a contractor
for the creation of (using a science writer), as well as
production and distribution of, the manual.
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Explore linking items in manual with cost estimates
where appropriate (using software like Rapid Trials).
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Create program to recognize excellent work in
clinical trials (for investigators, nurses, coordinators,
physicians).
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MOVING FROM INFORMED CONSENT TO INFORMED CHOICE
Accomplishments: |
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Collaborating with the Central Institutional
Review Board (CIRB) to identify key components of a strong
review system.
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Next Steps:
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Continue to pursue partnership with the CIRB
to create model regulatory process.
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Develop and present (at Summit 2004) model clinical
trial design using innovative technologies, new markers,
and best practices (to optimize trial outcomes and usefulness
of data).
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Propose that the Summit endorse the current NCI/CIRB
project.
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Misconceptions and Lack of Awareness Greatly Reduce Recruitment for Cancer Clinical Trials
According to the Harris Interactive survey commissioned by the Summit Series on Cancer Clinical Trials, most patients do not consider the possibility of participating in a clinical trial because they are unaware that participation may be an option.
>> Print out a copy of the survey
>> Read the full survey
There Are Many Reasons Why People Are Reluctant to Participate in Clinical Trials
Survey finds that only a third of all adults nationwide are very confident that patients in clinical trials get very good medical care.
>> Read the full study
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