Initially supported by the Cancer Research Collaboration Fund through WE-SPARK's Igniting Discovery Grant Program, this project currently holds $150,000+ in additional funding stemming from three organizations: the Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Network, the NRC-IRAP, and Splice Digital Inc.

THE STUDY

Participation in clinical trials improves patient outcomes, yet, only 7% of Ontario cancer patients are enrolled into a clinical trial. Lack of awareness, understanding and accessibility of clinical trials are some of the commonly reported barriers. In an effort to overcome these challenges, the Clinical Trials Navigator (CTN) position was recently piloted in Windsor-Essex.

The CTN program is designed to (1) serve all Canadian cancer patients by identifying clinical trials across North America for which they may be eligible and (2) support physicians to find appropriate trials for their patients.

THE IMPACT

To date, more than 180 patients have prescribed to the CTN program, with 80% of those patients residing in Windsor-Essex. Of this local patient population, 25% are either now enrolled in a clinical trial or are awaiting enrollment, a dramatic increase in local patient access to clinical trials.

The project's current goal is to contribute in the maximization of benefits within the CTN program and to reduce the challenges associated with clinical trial enrollment. In the near future, the focus will be to improve the clinical trials matching system by developing enhanced computer platforms, thus increasing aid patient and improving patient outcomes.

This project highlights the importance of local seed funding. The WE-SPARK Igniting Discovery grant sponsored by the Cancer Research Collaboration Fund allowed Dr. Hamm and Dr. Cavallo-Medved to gather preliminary data and bring together a strong multidisciplinary collaborative team of local researchers and Medical students to apply for national grants.