Orozco, Cristina J.

Abstract Background: Despite the decline in overall mortality and incidence of cancer in the US population, the burden of cancer is still high, especially in underserved and under-researched populations. A major contributor to poor cancer outcomes is the absence of dedicated efforts utilizing scientifically rigorous approaches and implementation strategies to optimize participant enrollment and accrual in clinical trials. The Connecting Patient Populations to Clinical Trials (CP2CT) program implements innovative multilevel interventions to enhance clinical trial awareness and optimize referral pathways that facilitate patient enrollment. The CP2CT Data, Evaluation, and Coordinating Center (DECC) supports its data and evaluation activities, and coordinates a learning collaborative towards mitigating the key barriers of cancer burden in all populations. Methods: Using an implementation science-informed approach, the DECC deployed coordinated strategies over three years: (1) administrative structuring through streamlined governance, centralized reporting, and stakeholder integration; (2) data standardization via Common Data Elements (CDEs), a cross-network REDCap system, and a multi-institution Data Transfer Agreement (DTA); (3) evaluation infrastructure through a Network Logic Model, evaluation plan, standardized constructs, and a Process Evaluation Plan with tools; (4) learning supports through an internal website and expanded Speaker Series; and (5) site-level implementation facilitation through structured visits. Results: In collaboration with the CP2CT Network and NCI, the DECC’s achievements span four domains: (1) Administrative: built infrastructure, deployed centralized reporting platforms, coordinated key meetings, and strengthened community integration. (2) Data: standardized collection, secured network-wide data sharing through the DTA, enabled harmonized multi-site reporting, and advanced groundwork for interoperability and scientific value. (3) Program Evaluation: linked CP2CT activities to measurable outcomes through a Network-wide Logic Model, guided evaluation, established shared evaluation language, and launched a transferable Process Evaluation framework. (4) Learning Collaborative: developed a centralized resource hub, expanded the Speaker Series, and advanced authorship transparency with the CP2CT Publication Policy. < Conclusion: The CP2CT DECC has established a sustainable, scalable infrastructure that integrates administrative coordination, standardized data collection, robust program evaluation, and a collaborative learning environment. These efforts enhance clinical trial awareness, optimize referral pathways, and provide a transferable model for improving participant enrollment and scientific rigor across national research networks, ultimately addressing disparities in cancer outcomes. Citation Format: Laura E. Lectora, Cristina J. Orozco, Holly A. Thorson, Timethia Bonner, Robert R. Freimuth, Jennifer G. Le-Rademacher, Folakemi T. Odedina. Building a national network coordination center for clinical trials: Early implementation outcomes from the CP2CT DECC [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 899.

Abstract Background: Multidisciplinary research networks often face challenges in harmonizing metrics and measures across participating sites, limiting the ability to aggregate data and generate generalizable insights. To address this barrier within the Connecting Patient Populations to Clinical Trials (CP2CT) Network, the Data, Evaluation, and Coordinating Center (DECC) coordinated the establishment of a unified framework that supports comparable evaluation and enhances the scientific impact of network-wide activities. Methods: Consensus was developed through a structured, iterative, and collaborative process: (1) drafting initial constructs, metrics, measures, and benchmarks informed by Network site materials and relevant literature; (2) soliciting qualitative and quantitative feedback from Network sites via Basecamp, an innovative online collaborative workspace for construct development; (3) conducting open dialogue sessions followed by systematic review and integration of site feedback; and (4) refining all elements through repeated feedback cycles until no further modifications were requested. Each iteration strengthened the clarity, coherence, and scientific precision of the final constructs. Results: A total of seven constructs were incorporated into the consensus-development process: clinical trials referral, clinical trials accrual, participants’ awareness of clinical trials, participants’ knowledge of clinical trials, providers’ awareness of NCI-supported clinical trials, providers’ engagement with NCI-supported clinical trials, and providers’ referral to NCI-supported clinical trials. For each construct, the Network established a conceptual definition (broad description of the construct), an operational definition (specification of how the construct is measured or observed), benchmarks (standards for assessing performance), metrics (quantitative indicators of performance), and measures (tools used to quantify inputs, processes, or outcomes). Common measures were developed for two constructs—clinical trials accrual and participants’ knowledge of clinical trials. Although full consensus was not achieved across all four Network sites for every construct, at least three sites reached consensus for the remaining five constructs. Conclusion: This consensus-building initiative resulted in the development of a unified, scientifically grounded framework. By harmonizing key elements related to clinical trial referral, accrual, awareness, knowledge, and provider engagement, the Network has established foundational tools that enable cross-site data comparability and facilitate more rigorous assessment of efforts to connect diverse patient populations to clinical trials. This framework positions the Network to inform strategies that improve equitable clinical trial participation. Citation Format: Folakemi T. Odedina, Jennifer Le-Rademacher, Robert Freimuth, Cristina Orozco, Laura Lectora, Timethia Bonner, Holly Thorson, Connecting Patient Populations to Clinical Trials(CP2CT) Program Evaluation Work Group, Connecting Patient Populations to Clinical Trials(CP2CT) Steering Committee. Development of and consensus building towards shared metrics, measures and benchmarks for the connecting patient populations to clinical trials (CP2CT) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 860.