NRG-CC014 Podcast Episode Coming July 31st! 

Tune in to the NRG Oncology Podcast on July 31^st as we discuss NRG-CC014, the “PREEMPT” study, for Bone Cancer Awareness Month. The NRG Oncology Podcast co-hosts discuss the pragmatic, phase III PREEMPT (NRG-CC014) trial comparing the effects of adding radiation therapy to the usual care on the occurrence of bone-related complications for patients with high-risk bone metastases that are asymptomatic with study Principal Investigator, Dr. Erin Gillespie.

If you have not already followed the podcast, you can find us on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and YouTube as well as our webpage www.NRGOncology.org/Podcast.

Protocol Support Committee (PSC) Column

The Role of CRA and CTN Committee Liaisons in NRG Oncology

In the complex matrix structure of NRG Oncology, the role of Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) and Clinical Trial Nurses (CTNs) as committee liaisons is pivotal. These individuals serve as essential connectors, bridging the Protocol Support Committee (PSC) and the various committees within our cooperative group. Liaisons support multiple disease sites, scientific, operations, and oversight committees. Their involvement ensures that the unique perspectives and needs of CRAs/CTNs are integrated throughout the protocol development and implementation process, which enhances the quality and feasibility of clinical trials.

NRG Study News & New Protocols Under Development

New Protocols Under Development

NRG Oncology New Study of Higher Dose Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer (NRG-GI011, “LAP100”) 

NRG Oncology recently activated the NRG-GI011 trial, also known (LAP100). This Phase III randomized controlled trial will assess the role of dose-escalated radiotherapy (target biologic effective dose of 100 Gy, hence name LAP100) in locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

NRG Oncology Activates the “HEAL-ABC” Study: Harnessing E-Mindfulness Approaches for Living-After Breast Cancer (NRG-CC015)

NRG Oncology recently activated NRG-CC015, a study to examine mindfulness training to improve mental health and well-being in younger breast cancer survivors, also known as “HEAL-ABC.” This trial is currently enrolling young breast cancer survivors who have elevated symptoms associated with depression. Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Orlando Health produces patient-directed video for NRG-BR008, The HERO Study

Thank you to our colleagues at Orlando Health for explaining NRG-BR008/The HERO Study to patients. The accompanying transcript is posted on CTSU. The HERO Study is currently enrolling patients with Low-Risk HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. Watch the video here.

NRG-GI003 Podcast Now Available!

Today, the NRG Oncology Podcast released an episode on the phase III NRG-GI003 trial comparing protons versus photons for hepatocellular carcinoma. Our co-hosts dive into the world of proton therapy with trial Principal Investigator, Dr. Theodore “Ted” Hong.

If you have not already followed the podcast, you can find us on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and YouTube as well as our webpage www.NRGOncology.org/Podcast. 

NCORP Updates

Dr. Alexandre Chan Receives NRG NCORP Pilot Project Funding for 2025-2027

Alexandre Chan, PharmD, MPH, was named the recipient of this year’s NCORP pilot project funding. Dr. Chan is a professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Founding Chair of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences at University of California, Irvine. The award period will run from September 1, 2025 through July 31, 2027.

Dr. Chan’s proposal is titled, RiluzolE FOr Preventing Cognitive dysfUnction in Cancer PatientS receiving chemotherapy (REFOCUS). This project aims to investigate the impact of riluzole on circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and preventing decline in neurocognitive function in newly diagnosed patients with cancer who are receiving anthracycline- or platinum-containing chemotherapy.

The goal of the NCORP pilot project LOI and application process is to develop committee aligned NCORP pilot projects that will lead to larger NCORP concepts. The initial step is to submit a two-page LOI which is reviewed by the committee chairs. Selected investigators are notified, invited to attend the NCORP bootcamp and paired with a mentor to prepare for a full application. The next call for LOIs will be released in August 2025.

Advocate Angle

NRG Patient Advocate Committee Chair Podcast Episode

The NRG Oncology Podcast recently interviewed recently appointed NRG Patient Advocate Committee Chair, Tambre Leighn, and discussed the ins-and-outs of patient advocacy as well as the importance of partnering with our patient advocates throughout the lifespan of our research from inception through publication. 

If you have not already followed the podcast, you can find us on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and YouTube as well as our webpage www.NRGOncology.org/Podcast. 

FORTE Study Updates

FORTE Enrolled its 3000^th Participant on June 12, 2025!

Thank you to all FORTE investigators, clinical research professionals, nurses, phlebotomists, monitors, data analysts, regulatory professionals, and others for your efforts in enrolling participants in NRG-CC005. We would not be here without you. 

NRG in the Press

NRG Oncology Appoints New Leaders to Patient Advocate Committee and Head and Neck Cancer Committee

NRG 2025 Summer Meeting

NRG2025 Meeting Session Updates

Translational Science Head and Neck Cancer Working Group Session Format Change – July 25^th from 1:00 – 2:00 pm ET (IN PERSON)

The format of the NRG Oncology Translational Science Head and Neck Cancer Working Group session has been changed from virtual to in-person at the 2025 NRG Oncology Summer Meeting and will be held on Friday, July 25^th from 1:00 – 2:00 pm ET at the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC. The session will feature Neil Gross, MD (MD Anderson Cancer Center) discussing “NRG-HN014: Building on Translational Opportunities in CSCC;” Nicole Schmitt, MD (Emory University) discussing “Blood Biomarkers of Response to Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma;” and Joseph Zenga, MD (Medical College of Wisconsin) discussing “Treatment-Induced Remodeling of the T Cell Landscape in Mucosal and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.” Neil Hayes, MD, MS, MPH is the Head and Neck Cancer Working Group Chair; Sidharth Puram, MD, PhD, is the Vice Chair.

Translational Science Genitourinary Cancer Working Group Session

July 25^th from 4:30 – 6:00 pm ET (IN PERSON)

The Translational Science Genitourinary Cancer Working Group, which was held virtually at the January 2025 NRG Semiannual Meeting, will now also take place in person at the 2025 NRG Oncology Summer Meeting on Friday, July 25^th from 4:30 – 6:00 pm ET at the Le Droit Park-Shaw Room on Level 3. The session will feature Judd Englert, MD, PhD from Amgen discussing “Bispecific Breakthroughs: T-Cell Engagers and Xaluritamig in Prostate Cancer Therapy;” Dale Muzzey, PhD of Myriad Genetics discussing “Advancing multi-modal biomarker development in GU cancers with RNA, digital pathology AI, and ctDNA;” and Luciane Tsukamoto Kagohara, PhD (Johns Hopkins University) discussing “Multi-omics analysis to unravel biomarkers of responses to immunotherapies.” The Chair of the NRG Oncology Translational Science Genitourinary Cancer Working Group is Phuoc Tran, MD, PhD.

Translational Science Committee Session –

July 24^th from 3:00 – 5:00 pm (IN PERSON)

The Translational Science Committee session at the 2025 NRG Oncology Summer Meeting will be held on Thursday, July 24^th from 3:00 – 5:00 pm ET in the Liberty I-L Room on Level 4 of the Marriott Marquis Washington, D. C. The session will feature Alyssa Bujnak, MD (University of California, Irvine) discussing “NRG Oncology/GOG-0240 NIH Cancer Moonshot: Molecular Characterization of Advanced and Recurrent Cervical Carcinoma;” Zhang Xiang, PhD (Baylor College of Medicine) discussing a proposed project entitled “Integrating Baseline ctDNA Detection and Immune Signature Analysis to Predict Pathologic Complete Response in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Insights from the NSABP B-52 Trial;” and Phuoc Tran, MD, PhD discussing a proposed project entitled “Validation of a Multimodal Artificial Intelligence Biomarker in the NRG GU006 Prostate Cancer Trial.” The session Co-Chairs are Michael Birrer, MD, PhD (Translational Science Committee Chair); Adam Dicker, MD, PhD and Vered Stearns, MD (Translational Science Committee Vice Chairs). Dr. Birrer will discuss Translational Science Committee updates.

Pathology Committee Session –

July 24^th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm (IN PERSON)

The Pathology Committee session at the 2025 NRG Oncology Summer Meeting will be held on Thursday, July 24^th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm ET in the Union Station Room on Level 3 of the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C. This session will feature Alyssa Bujnak, MD (University of California, Irvine) discussing “NRG Oncology/GOG-0240 NIH Cancer Moonshot: Molecular Characterization of Advanced and Recurrent Cervical Carcinoma;” Tanner Freeman, MD (University of Pittsburgh) providing updates on the NRG Oncology Pittsburgh Biobank as well updates on trial and pathology projects; and Dr. Freeman and Suzanne Baldwin (NRG Oncology) discussing Specimen and Data Access Procedures for Research.” The Pathology Committee Chair is Jeffry Simko, MD, PhD; the Vice Chairs are Tan Ince, MD, PhD and Tanner Freeman, MD, PhD.

Communications & Digital Engagement Workshop (VIRTUAL)

The NRG Oncology Communications Committee is pleased to announce our Communications & Digital Engagement (CDE) Workshop as part of #NRG2025. The workshop, being held as a virtual session, is scheduled for Monday, July 21, 2025, 1-2pm ET. Drs. Kristin Higgins and Miriam Knoll, members of the NRG Oncology Communications Committee, are the session chairs. The speakers include Dr. Patricia Ganz who will discuss the recently activated, NRG-CC015/HEAL-ABC study; Ryan Strandlund, Associate Director for ASCO’s Grassroots Advocacy for Cancer program; and Sara Rothschild, Executive Director for The Life Raft Group, which focuses on advocacy for people living with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), and other rare diseases. Flyer | Register