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Here at Gibbs Cancer Center, we have the desire and passion to address the harsh realities of cancer disparities and engage the community to build knowledge, advance cancer research, and advocate for the community's needs. Therefore, Spartanburg Medical Center and Gibbs Cancer Center - Pelham are participating in the NCI Cancer Moonshot Biobank Research Protocol.
The Moonshot Biobank protocol enrolls patients receiving standard-of-care treatment willing to provide longitudinal biospecimens. The goal of Moonshot is to advance the understanding of cancer and accelerate its treatment. As a participating site, one of our goals is to increase African American patient enrollment in clinical trials and the Moonshot Biobank, specifically those with prostate cancer and multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematologic malignancy in the United States and the most common among African Americans. Studies show that several cancers are more prevalent in African Americans, but myeloma incidence is two times greater in African Americans than in whites. One in five people with multiple myeloma is African American. The median age of diagnosis for multiple myeloma patients is 69. For African Americans diagnosed with multiple myeloma, the average age is 66 compared to the average age of 70 for whites. With knowledge of these statistics, assessing and addressing barriers to research participation and accruing patients to trials that improve cancer-related health among individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds exemplify our dedication to addressing health equity gaps in cancer research representation and survivorship.
On Friday, December 2nd, the Gibbs Cancer Center's Community Advisory Council hosted our first Retreat. Members gathered at the Piedmont Club to reflect on our work in the past year and future goals for 2023. Dr. Tondre Buck, a Hematologist Oncologist, gave a presentation on multiple myeloma and racial disparities. Audrianna Carrington, the Lead Moonshot Coordinator, updated the council on our Moonshot accruals and how we continue to reach our engagement goals, with 59% of our site's Moonshot patients identifying as African American.
Upstate Carolina NCORP's team at Gibbs Cancer Center is proud of our partnerships in the community that represents the Community Advisory Council. The council has created a safe space for members to inform the cancer research team through meaningful, authentic dialogue to build knowledge, advance cancer research, increase clinical trial participation, and improve outcomes in underrepresented communities.
Happy Holidays!
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