INNV-26. NCI-CONNECT PROGRAM PROVIDES RESOURCES TO IMPROVE CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH RARE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) TUMORS

Abstract

Abstract The National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Oncology Network Evaluating Rare CNS Tumors (NCI-CONNECT) program focuses on improving approaches to care and treatment for 12 rare CNS tumors, each with < 2,000 diagnoses per year. To reach this rare population, the primary objective was to develop a website to share educational resources that provide patients direct access to clinical care and trials. METHODS: The NCI-CONNECT website uses the Drupal platform within NCI’s framework and the content is free to syndicate. A multidisciplinary team developed tumor-specific content in English and Spanish, clinical trial information, and survivorship resources using evidence-based sources. The Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States provided statistics on incidence and prevalence of rare tumors. Population reach was calculated using Adobe Experience Cloud website analytics. NCI-CONNECT referrals and study participation data were collected prospectively. RESULTS: The English website launched in September 2018 and visits have increased 2,384%. The Spanish website launched in March 2020 and visits have increased 1,137%. From April 2020 to March 2021, top website page views by English page views / Spanish page views / people living with this disease include oligodendroglioma (43,859 / 8,241 / 11,757), ependymoma (31,579 / 12,684 / 13,294), meningioma (30,261 / 19,507 / 2,692), medulloblastoma (28,487 / 9,999 / 3,840), diffuse midline gliomas (23,064 / 3,851 / 6,033), and pineal region tumors (19,939 / 9,973 / 1,297). Referral rates and participation have accelerated – 45% of patients visiting the Neuro-Oncology Clinic at NIH have a rare CNS tumor and 409 patients enrolled in an NCI-CONNECT study. CONCLUSION: Patient-focused websites can provide guidance to those affected by rare cancers outside of in-person health care visits. The NCI-CONNECT website is an educational and clinical resource for patients and families affected by rare CNS tumors and was created to raise awareness and improve patient outcomes.