The NCCN Oncology Research Program (ORP) strives to improve the quality of life for patients and reduce cancer-related deaths by advancing cancer therapies through research. Since the program’s establishment in 1999, the NCCN ORP has brought millions of dollars in research grants to investigators at NCCN Member Institutions. Research grants are provided to NCCN through collaborations with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies; these grants are in turn used to support scientifically meritorious cancer research efforts.
NCCN ORP studies typically explore new avenues of clinical investigation and seek answers to important cancer-related questions. All studies are approved and funded through a scientific peer-review process and are overseen by the ORP.
This feature highlights an NCCN study funded through the grant mechanism.
Implementing an Early Lung Cancer Detection and Navigation Program in the Antelope Valley: Improving Access, Utilization, and Outcomes in an Underserved Population
Principal Investigator: Dan J. Raz, MD
Condition: Lung cancer—quality of care
Institution: City of Hope National Medical Center
The goal of this project is to improve early lung cancer detection and treatment in Antelope Valley, an underserved population with high lung cancer mortality rates. We propose a pathway for lung cancer screening (LCS) and care coordination using a technology-empowered, community-based lung cancer navigator. This project builds on an ongoing partnership between City of Hope (COH), an academic comprehensive cancer center with high-quality LCS and lung cancer surgery programs, and AV Hospital, the only full-service hospital in the Antelope Valley. This study aligns with the following request for proposal (RFP) areas of emphasis: addressing disparities in LCS, overcoming barriers to healthcare, integrating a multidisciplinary care team for LCS, and benefitting underserved and rural populations. This proposal also aligns with our institutional goal of delivering outstanding and equitable cancer care to the communities we serve.
• Improve utilization of low-dose CT (LDCT) through implementation of a high-quality multidisciplinary LCS program, underpinned by efforts to increase primary care physician engagement and community outreach
• Improve adherence with recommended follow-up after LDCT
• Decrease time from diagnosis to treatment initiation for patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer
• Assess the feasibility of a broadband-enabled laptop loaner program to improve telehealth usability
• Engage community stakeholders to facilitate sustainability of the intervention
Primary Objectives/Aims:
Contact: Dan J. Raz, MD • draz@coh.org
Research Coordinator: Nicole Herrera • nherrera@coh.org
