The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded five-year grants to research groups across the country, including Franciscan Health System (FHS), to conduct multi-site cancer clinical trials and cancer care delivery research studies in their communities. Franciscan is a member of the Catholic Health Initiatives Institute for Research and Innovation’s Oncology Research Alliance. The Alliance is comprised of leadership from CHI’s National Oncology Service Line, Institute for Research and Innovation, and participating research sites.
“CHI’s mission seeks to integrate patient care with research and education. Today’s grant announcement recognizes our commitment,” said Kevin Lofton, chief executive officer of Englewood, Colo.-based Catholic Health Initiatives, one of the nation’s largest health systems. “We are delighted and honored to be part of this National Cancer Institute program.”
Added David Fine, president and CEO of CHI’s Institute for Research and Innovation: “The Institute and our physician partners throughout the country are excited to bring the NCI’s clinical research initiatives to the communities we serve.”
The grants are being awarded under the new NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), a national network of investigators, cancer care providers, academic institutions, and other organizations that provide care to diverse populations in community-based health care practices across the U.S. The total program funding is $93 million a year for five years.
“Franciscan Health System is committed to bringing the best cancer research options to our patients. Prevention, screening and innovative treatments are crucial. This grant gives our patients in South Puget Sound access to the very best care options close to home,” said Frank Senecal, MD, medical director of Franciscan Cancer Care.
NCORP will design and conduct trials to improve cancer prevention, cancer control, screening, and post-treatment management. The new program will have an emphasis on cancer care delivery research, focusing on diverse and multi-level factors (e.g., social, financing systems, process, technology, and others) that affect access to and quality of care in the community. “This award is a significant continuation and expansion of our previous cooperation with the NCI and the expanded emphasis on research and disparities aligns with our collective goals as care providers. Clinical trials are recognized as best practice in cancer care and this program allows a greater breadth and diversity of opportunities for our patients.” said Dr. Dax Kurbegov, CHI’s National Oncology Service Line Physician Vice President and Principal Investigator for the CHI grant award.
NCORP replaces two previous NCI community-based clinical research programs, including the NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP), which funded research-based cancer care in several CHI market. The new program builds on the strengths of the previous programs and aims to better address the most pressing issues affecting the conduct and delivery of care in communities across the nation.
