A Collaborative Pilot Model Among Georgia Oncologists To Strengthen Clinical Trial Enrollment And Promote Equity Of Care For Minorities.

e18651 Background: Clinical trials promote excellence in cancer care but only 2 – 3 % of patients enroll on trials. 1Minorities who experience the greatest cancer burden are least likely to enroll, although research demonstrates they are as likely as whites to consent to participation2. Historic rates of minority participation in NCI trials are 9.2% and less than 5% in pharmaceutical trials4. Persistent under representation of minorities creates disparity in access to care, inability to generalize research findings and worse health outcomes2.These factors underscore need for effective strategies to increase minority accrual to tria Methods: The Georgia Center of Oncology Research and Education serves as a catalyst for collaboration among oncologists committed to increasing statewide access to trials. Goals of Georgia CORE include enhancing availability of NCI sponsored trials and increasing minority accrual. Between 2007 and 2017 four clinical trial initiatives were created by Georgia CORE investigators: Gynecologic Oncology Group Consortium, APL Investigator Initiated Study, GA NCORP and GA CaRes Minority NCORP. Strategies to enhance minority enrollment included investigator education, staff training, and outreach to churches and minority organizations. Results: 1,164 patients reported racial/ethnic status and enrolled in clinical trials conducted through 3 NCI initiatives and 1 investigator initiated trial that resulted in an ECOG-ACRIN trial EA9131. A significant percentage of minorities, ranging from 23 – 47%, were enrolled. Conclusions: In a state with significant disparities in cancer survival, collaboration between oncologists increased access to NCI sponsored trials in geographically and racially diverse centers. Collectively these efforts produced 32% minority accrual and improved equity of available treatment options. This endeavor can serve as model for other states to replicate and improve cancer outcomes for minorities and the generalizability of research for all patients. GOG APL study GA NCORP GA CaRes Total M NCORP 2007-13 2013-16 2014-17 2014-17 # Sites 8 4 6 4 # Pts 225 118 615 206 1164 # Minority 54/24% 46/34% 141/34% 94/47% 335/32% Enrollment