Addressing Disparities in Cancer Clinical Trials

8:00 AM COFFEE AND NETWORKING

8:30 AM WELCOME
• Jean Sumner, MD, Dean, Mercer University School of Medicine
• Sharad Ghamande, MD, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, GASCO President

8:40 AM KEYNOTE – DEFINING THE PROBLEM AND EVIDENCE BASED INTERVENTIONS (EBIS)
• Bradley Carthon, MD, Emory University

9:10 AM PANEL DISCUSSION: CURRENT EFFORTS FOR DIVERSITY IN CLINICAL TRIALS
Topic Description: Twenty years ago, Georgia’s leaders made cancer research and clinical trials a priority
for the state. There has been an eight-fold increase in the number of clinical trials since then, but
barriers to participation remain. This panel of experts will discuss current availability of clinical trials, the
types of trials available and initiatives to increase the reach of these trials, and the advances that have
been made relating specifically to diverse populations.

Facilitator: Crain Garrot, GA Cancer Specialists

Panelists:
• Guilherme Cantuaria, MD PhD, Northside Hospital Cancer Institute
• Trena Davis, BSN RN CCRC, Northeast Georgia Medical Center
• Theresa Gillespie, PhD MA FAAN, Winship Cancer institute, Emory University
• Anand Jillella, MD, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University

10:00 AM BREAK

10:15 AM PANEL DISCUSSION: BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION FOR DIVERSE POPULATIONS
Topic Description: Studies have shown, and the COVID-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated, that
there are barriers to participation in clinical trials. A deficiency of information and access to clinical trials
is heightened for Black, Asian, Hispanic, and other ethnic and racial minorities. Rural residents also
suffer from diminished access to cutting edge research and treatments. This panel of experts will discuss
the impediments they see in their practices and hospitals to increased equity to cancer clinical trials.

Facilitator: Brian Rivers, PhD MPH, Morehouse School of Medicine

Panelists:
• Rodolfo Bordoni, MD, Georgia Cancer Specialists
• Chirag Jani, MD, Phoebe Putney Medical Center
• Pooja Mishra, MBA/MHA FACHE, Grady Health System
• Jayanthi Srinivasiah, MD, Georgia Cancer Specialist

11:15 AM BREAKOUT SESSION
1.) From the Beginning: Educating and Empowering Patients at Initial Diagnosis
Session Description: Are patients being informed of potential clinical trials at initial diagnosis? How can
this be done effectively and compassionately? In this session, participants will discuss practical ideas to
include the introduction of the possibility of clinical trials in these initial interactions.
Facilitators: Andrew Weatherall, RN OCN CCRC, Atrium Health Navicent
2.) Increasing Accruals through Improving the Consenting Process
Session Description: After a patient shows interest in participating in a clinical trial, there are often
process centered barriers, healthcare system barriers and, patient barriers such as language or cultural
impediments that make it difficult to accrue and retain diverse patients on a clinical trial. Session
attendees will discuss these difficulties and potential improvements in the consenting process that could
yield a more diverse patient population.
Facilitators: Mary Egan, BS CCRC and Kylie Graden, BSA, University Cancer & Blood Center
3.) Easing Socioeconomic Barriers to Participation
Session Description: Patients who are socioeconomically disadvantaged may have multiple barriers to
participation including transportation, housing/hoteling, absences from work, or home health care. This
session will explore data about socioeconomic disparities and engage in a discussion about potential
actions to alleviate some of these barriers.
Facilitators: Ajay Nooka, MD MPH FACP, Emory University

12:15 PM LUNCH PRESENTATION: BLUE BUTTON PROJECT: INNOVATIONS IN DATA SHARING/MATCHING
SERVICES
• Mark Fluery, PhD, Principal, Policy Development-Emerging Science, American Cancer Society Cancer
Action Network

1:15 PM THE PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE
• Sheryl Gabram, MD MBA, Chief Scientific Officer, Georgia CORE

1:45 PM BREAKOUT SESSION 2
1.) Dispelling Myths in Communities of Color
Session Description: Many of us may think we know why communities of color have a lower rate of
participation in clinical trials, but do we really? And what can be done to dispel myths and focus on real
impediments to participation in these communities? Attendees in this session will identify the myths
and discuss how to work with members of communities of color to heighten participation.
Facilitators: Pamela Cooper, Morehouse School of Medicine
2.) Converting the Masses: Encouraging Physicians to Accrue to Clinical Trials
Session Description: A recent NIH study found that only 10 to 20% of physicians inform their cancer
patients about clinical trials. This session will focus on practical ways healthcare systems and providers
can encourage and support community physicians in their efforts to refer patients for clinical trial
participation.
Facilitators: Cheryl Jones, MD and Binta Auta, Northside Hospital Cancer Institute
3.) Expanding Rural Access and Outreach
Session Description: Many of Georgia’s rural communities have limited access to cutting-edge clinical
trials and treatments. In this session, participants will identify barriers for rural residents and seek to
identify solutions for this population.
Facilitators: Harsh Vyas, MD, Cancer Center of Middle Georgia

2:45 PM BREAK AND RECONVENE

3:00 PM BREAKOUT GROUP REPORTS AND ACTION ITEMS
• Andrew Pippas, MD (Chair, Georgia CORE), Director, Medical Oncology, Piedmont Columbus
3:45 PM CLOSING REMARKS
• Andrew Pippas, MD (Chair, Georgia CORE), Director, Medical Oncology, Piedmont Columbus