Abstract PL02-02: Lessons learned from the Walking Forward Program in recruiting American Indians on clinical trials

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Abstract Purpose/Objective(s): American Indians (AIs) present with more advanced stages of cancer and, therefore, suffer from higher cancer mortality rates compared to non-AIs. Under the National Cancer Institute Cancer Disparities Research Partnership Program (CDRP), we have been researching methods of improving cancer treatment and outcomes since 2002, for AIs in Western South Dakota, through the Walking Forward (WF) Program. Materials/Methods: This program consists of a) a culturally-tailored patient navigation program that facilitated access to innovative clinical trials in conjunction with a comprehensive educational program encouraging screening and early detection, b) surveys to evaluate barriers to access, c) clinical trials focusing on reducing treatment length as AIs live a median of 140 miles from the cancer center, d) a molecular study (ATM - Ataxia telangectasia mutation) to address whether there is a molecular profile that increases toxicity risks, and e) a recently funded project using mHealth (mobile) technology to address the high smoking rates in this population. Results: To date, over 3,700 AIs have participated in various WF research studies. Critical outcomes include the establishment of trust within tribal communities, identification of barriers to cancer screening, creation of research infrastructure, higher completion rates and patient satisfaction for patients undergoing cancer treatment, enrollment of patients on phase II trials with excellent clinical outcomes, and the establishment of new research partners. Recent analysis suggests that AI cancer patients with screen detectable cancers are now presenting with earlier stages of disease and higher cure rates. Lessons learned will also be presented. Conclusions: This NCI funded pilot program has achieved some initial measures of success. A research infrastructure has been created in a community setting to address new research questions and interventions. One critical objective of the CDRP program was to create sustainable, community research programs that has been achieved at our site. Citation Format: Daniel G. Petereit, Shalini Kanekar, Ashleigh Guadagnolo, Amy Boylan, Kristin Cina, Linda Burhansstipanov. Lessons learned from the Walking Forward Program in recruiting American Indians on clinical trials. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr PL02-02. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-PL02-02