The Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) has made establishing a statewide clinical trials network one of its top priorities. Randal H. Henderson, MD, MBA, Chair of the FLASCO Ad Hoc Committee on Clinical Trials, discussed the Society’s process and future goals.
AN&F: FLASCO’s goal in 2005-2006 was to establish a Clinical Trials Network Advisory Board. Was that venture successful? What has the Board accomplished?
Dr. Henderson: In 2005-2006 FLASCO received an ASCO State Affiliate Grant and established a Clinical Trials Network Advisory Board (CTNAB), which was an important initial step. The board was successful in keeping the members informed and seeking their input during the planning stages. When the network incorporated as a 501(c)3, this board was replaced by a Board of Directors for the corporation. A Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) has played a key in study evaluation and selection. This committee is made up of 13 member oncologists with expertise in all the major cancer categories. The SAC screens all protocols for scientific merit and compatibility with the capabilities of the network. They make recommendations on protocol selection and serve as mechanism to help identify new pharmaceutical trials.
AN&F: Where did the idea for the Florida Clinical Trials Network (FCTN) come from? What need does it fill for your community?
Dr. Henderson: FLASCO saw a need in Florida that was not being met. There was no statewide network partnering academic centers and community practices to complete investigator-initiated trials. The FLASCO network is able to work with all parties to accomplish this.
AN&F: What is the ultimate goal of the FCTN?
Dr. Henderson: The ultimate goal is to increase cancer patients’ access to clinical trials by making more and better trials available in their communities. FLASCO hopes to do this by taking investigator-initiated trials developed in our academic centers and making them available to our community practices.
AN&F: What were some of the obstacles you encountered as you began the FCTN marketing project?
Dr. Henderson: Marketing the FCTN proved to be a very expensive venture, so our limited resources had to be used for projects that were broadly applicable and far-reaching. FLASCO received an ASCO State Affiliate Grant in 2006-2007 to market the FCTN and developed a website and a series of brochures for patients, practices, and pharmaceutical companies.
AN&F: How did the promotional program in North Dade/Miami work out?
Dr. Henderson: North Dade/Miami was our first marketing project and investigator initiated trial; however, the trial was canceled by the sponsor due to unexpected problems. This made it even more important to expand the reach of the marketing program.
AN&F: What have been the results of your marketing program to date?
Dr. Henderson: Before the marketing program began, FCTN had 12 member sites and 50 oncologists; the current number is 19 sites and 105 oncologists. There were no active trials when the marketing program began; now there are four active trials and several in the pipeline.
AN&F: What are the next steps for marketing or expanding the FCTN?
Dr. Henderson: The plans are to increase the number of member practices and the number of trials available, to establish partnerships with academic centers, and to establish partnerships with the pharmaceutical companies, who will use the network to run their trials in Florida.
AN&F: How did the ASCO State Affiliate Grants help you achieve your goals?
Dr. Henderson: These grants were essential for the initial success of the network. In addition to marketing, the funds enabled us to build the required infrastructure for the network.
AN&F: Do you have any further comments?
Dr. Henderson: It is important to have a structure and leadership which can bridge the gap between academic and practicing oncologists, so that all parties have an important place in the network. Starting a statewide clinical trials network is a lot of work and there are always circumstances beyond your control. FCTN was fortunate to have a very supportive state society, and that support has helped us meet each challenge we have encountered.
