PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network is funding four quality-improvement projects aimed at reducing gaps in metastatic prostate cancer care, targeting disparities in access, inconsistent testing and treatment practices, medication burden and barriers to clinical trials.
The projects were selected through NCCN’s Oncology Research Program, with funding and oversight provided by Pfizer Global Medical Grants. Researchers are expected to complete the work within two years.
NCCN said many patients with metastatic prostate cancer do not receive the full range of life-prolonging treatments for which they may be eligible. The organization identified differences in insurance coverage, geography, and healthcare infrastructure as contributors, along with variations in clinical practice and inadequate financial, logistical, and psychosocial support.
Limited access to clinical trials can further restrict treatment options for eligible patients, according to NCCN.
The funded research will test approaches intended to standardize diagnostic and biomarker testing, improve clinical decision-making and expand access to evidence-based treatment. The projects will also examine strategies for increasing clinical trial participation and improving patients’ quality of life.
At UT Southwestern Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Changchuan “Charles” Jiang will lead a project focused on closing the gap between biomarker testing and treatment decisions for patients with metastatic prostate cancer at a major U.S. safety-net cancer program.
Paul Leger of Georgetown University will study multilevel interventions across the MedStar Health network intended to improve care for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Michael Liu of Northwestern University’s Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center will lead an initiative examining whether reducing polypharmacy — the use of multiple medications — can improve treatment tolerability for patients with metastatic prostate cancer.
At Moffitt Cancer Center, Kosj Yamoah will study a quality-improvement pathway incorporating germline, somatic and circulating tumor DNA testing for patients with prostate cancer that has metastasized to bone and who are receiving radiotherapy.
“It is critical that we work collaboratively to ensure everyone has access to evidence-based, guideline-concordant care across the entire cancer care spectrum,” NCCN Chief Executive Officer Crystal Denlinger said.
Denlinger said the organization is seeking approaches that can be scaled and sustained beyond the individual research projects.
A scientific review committee composed of peer experts, including oncologists from NCCN member institutions, evaluated the proposals before the four projects were selected.
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