Blood Cancer United, formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, has awarded $2.5 million to a research team led by Melissa Beauchemin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Columbia University School of Nursing, through its Equity in Access Research Program. The study's co-principal investigators are Justine Kahn, M.D., and Barbara Pro, M.D. This five-year study aims to improve access to clinical trials for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and older adults with blood cancer.
Despite significant advances in blood cancer treatment, adolescents and young adults (ages 15-39) and older adults (60+) remain underrepresented in clinical trials. These groups, particularly those from racially and ethnically minoritized communities, those from lower-income backgrounds, and those receiving care at community-based treatment settings, often experience unique challenges accessing and participating in clinical research. Barriers throughout cancer care include delayed identification of eligible patients, fragmented referral pathways between community and academic centers, limited awareness of clinical trials, and inadequate access to patient navigation and support. These challenges are especially pronounced for blood cancer patients, who often need to begin treatment quickly, leaving little time to consider clinical trial opportunities.
To address these challenges, this study will evaluate a coordinated, patient-centered approach that combines AI-assisted patient identification, streamlined provider support, and personalized patient navigation. The intervention is designed to help patients and healthcare teams identify clinical trial opportunities earlier and connect eligible patients with research programs at academic and community cancer centers.
Advancing equity in cancer care requires evidence-based solutions that can be implemented across healthcare settings to address disparities. This study, led by Dr. Beauchemin, will test innovative approaches to connect more patients with potentially life-saving clinical trials and ensure that advances in blood cancer research reach all communities, including those that have been historically underrepresented in clinical research."
Eric Cooks, Ph.D., Senior Director of Equity in Access Programs, Blood Cancer United
The study will use Blood Cancer United's Clinical Trial Support Center as a centralized public resource to evaluate practical strategies that help more patients access clinical trials and generate scalable, equity-centered evidence to improve access for adolescents, young adults, and older adults.
Findings from this research will inform Blood Cancer United's efforts, as well as those of healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers, to drive meaningful changes in healthcare policy and practice. Ultimately, the goal is to increase access to clinical trials, improve overall participation, and ensure that all patients have the chance to benefit from cancer research advances.
Since 2021, the Equity in Access Research Program has awarded nearly $21 million in funding to support 16 high-impact health services research studies. Blood Cancer United proudly and gratefully acknowledges AstraZeneca and Syndax for their support of this program and other initiatives focused on reducing healthcare disparities in blood cancer care and treatment.
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