Partnership supports 3CTN initiative to improve cancer clinical trial participation for underserved populations

The Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Network (3CTN) has launched a new initiative to increase access to clinical trials for people with cancer, specifically adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and those living in rural and remote parts of the country. The initiative is made possible through almost $1 million in funding and support provided by the Partnership over the next two years.

3CTN is looking to boost clinical trial involvement for people with cancer in rural and remote communities across Canada through the development of a remote access framework. This framework will enhance trial participation in smaller and remote cancer centres by addressing regulatory, ethical, legal and practical challenges. Resources and tools will also be developed and shared with cancer centres in remote areas, and 3CTN Network Centres will conduct proof-of-concept studies.

Evidence shows that there is a lack of clinical trials for AYAs with cancer relative to the rest of the cancer population. To address this, 3CTN will act to strengthen Canada’s clinical trial infrastructure for young people with cancer by providing support for pan-Canadian clinical trial coordination to C¹⁷, a network of pediatric hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplant programs across Canada. Engaging with C¹⁷ will help advance AYA clinical research and will help ensure young people with cancer have access to appropriate trials.

3CTN is a pan-Canadian initiative to improve patient access to trials and the efficiency and quality of clinical trials activities in Canada. The network provides support and coordination for a network of teams at cancer treatment centres and hospitals, enabling sites to improve their capacity and capability to conduct trials, while also increasing access to trials for patients. The Partnership has been providing funding and support for 3CTN since its creation in 2014.