COLONTOWN Searching Safari: Education to remove barriers to pursue clinical trials for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Abstract

82 Background: Clinical trials can expand otherwise limited treatment options for patients with metastatic cancer. Yet, the complexity of the trial landscape can prevent patients from pursuing trials. Even in mCRC patients motivated to participate in trials, 79% described trial search negatively, mainly ‘overwhelming.’ We hypothesized that “clinical trial-literacy” and familiarity with the tools/process of pursuing trials were critical precursors for patients to incorporate trials into their treatment plan. To test this, we, as managers of COLONTOWN, a large, online CRC patient/caregiver community, developed an interactive course. Methods: We reviewed many posts from the COLONTOWN clinical trial groups to identify gaps between the desire to participate in a trial and the knowledge/tools needed to do so. We then determined those most likely to benefit as mCRC MSS patients interested in, but not in urgent need of, trials. We developed a 4-week long course with 5 hours of live online sessions and 5 hours of homework. Participants built fluency in the language of clinical trials, learned about available tools, and identified and assessed trials in the context of their personal needs and disease dynamics. Unlike most other trial resources, the focus was on informed patient-centered decision-making, not on the science or mechanics of trials. The course was offered 3 times in 2022/23 with iterative improvements after each session. Participants (n=48) were assessed for their attitudes around trials before and after the course to measure impact. Results: We found that our repeatable, scalable course improves mCRC patient perceptions of and skills to pursue trials as evidenced by pre-course vs. post-course surveys. This included average response to “How prepared do you feel to find a clinical trial?” increasing from 2.1 to 3.8 on a 5-pt scale and positive sentiment about the process rising from 7% to 71% (table). Positive feedback on meeting course objectives and amount of coursework being ‘just right’ (96% and 92% of responses, respectively) support the material’s value for time invested. Conclusions: Through systematic skill building, self reflection, and practical tools, our guided course can build confidence and empower patients and caregivers to take the next step to pursue clinical trials. Patient education can indeed help overcome often-overlooked emotional and knowledge barriers to pursuing clinical trials present even in a motivated patient population. Next, we plan to create and assess the benefit of an additional on-demand e-learning course and to expand to other patient groups. [Table: see text]