This case study highlights the power of collaboration across sectors—from public and private organizations to community groups and academic institutions. By increasing access to clinical trials, addressing systemic inequities, and promoting education, the coalition took a major step toward building a future where cancer care is equitable and accessible for all. These efforts serve as a blueprint for combating health disparities, demonstrating that transformative change is possible through collective action.

Background and Inspiration

The Cancer Moonshot Initiative, launched in 2021, inspired significant advancements in cancer research and care. By 2022, a coalition of life science companies, non-profit organizations, community leaders, and academic institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), united to tackle the stark disparities in cancer care. Their focus: increasing access to clinical trials and improving education for underserved populations.

The initiative was sparked by a life science executive inspired by a health equity meeting in oncology, recognizing the systemic barriers to clinical trial access. This led to the realization that a cross-sector approach was essential to create lasting change.

Goals and Objectives

1. Shift the Cancer Care Paradigm: Transition from late-stage treatment to early-stage prevention and diagnosis.
2. Expand Access: Provide underserved populations, particularly minorities and low-income groups, with more opportunities to access clinical trials, education, and healthcare services.
3. Address Disparities: Counteract historical inequities in cancer care caused by systemic barriers and policies.
4. Promote Health Equity: Achieve long-term systemic changes that improve survival rates and outcomes for underrepresented groups.

Formation of Working Groups

To implement these goals, the coalition established three working groups:

1. Geographic Need

• Focus: Address regional disparities in access to healthcare and clinical trials.
• Strategies:
  • Identify underserved regions with high need.
  • Develop localized strategies to improve access to trials and resources.

2. Education/Access/Community

• Focus: Increase awareness and trust in clinical trials among underserved communities.
• Strategies:
  • Collaborate with non-profits, local leaders, and HBCUs.
  • Launch educational campaigns to address misconceptions and fears.
  • Provide accessible materials in multiple languages and formats.

3. Facilitation/Structure

• Focus: Simplify and streamline access to clinical trials.
• Strategies:
  • Improve trial site accessibility in underserved areas.
  • Simplify enrollment processes and provide logistical support (e.g., transportation, financial assistance).
  • Ensure trial designs are inclusive of diverse populations.

Collaborative Approach and Impact

• Composition: Each group included life science executives, non-profit leaders, and HBCU administrators, ensuring strategies were both scientifically sound and culturally sensitive.
• Community Engagement:
  • Informational sessions and workshops were held at churches, schools, and community centers to demystify clinical trials.
  • HBCUs educated the next generation of healthcare professionals on the importance of health equity.

Policy Advocacy

The coalition worked to address systemic barriers, such as:

• Underrepresentation in Research: Advocated for the inclusion of diverse populations in clinical trials.
• Policy Changes: Raised awareness about the importance of diversity in trials to improve outcomes for all patients and advance scientific knowledge.

Key Outcomes

1. Improved Infrastructure: Strengthened cancer care infrastructure in underserved regions.
2. Increased Participation: Boosted clinical trial enrollment among minority and low-income populations.
3. Informed Communities: Addressed cultural hesitations and mistrust, empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
4. Set Standards: Established a precedent for inclusive trial designs and equitable access.

Long-Term Vision

The coalition’s work from 2022-2024 laid the foundation for a sustained, global effort to reduce cancer health disparities. Future plans include:

• Strengthening partnerships with healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies.
• Leveraging technology to expand clinical trial access, particularly in rural areas.
• Providing ongoing support to HBCUs and community organizations for continued education and outreach.