CPRIT Award Enhances Access to and Diversity in Cancer Clinical Trials
Around Campus
The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas has awarded a $1.5 million grant to David Gerber, M.D., Professor of Internal Medicine and Population and Data Sciences and Associate Director of Clinical Research, to increase access to cancer clinical trials for underrepresented minorities. People from underserved communities face barriers in gaining access to promising new cancer treatments because participation requires an increasing number of procedures and clinic visits. Dr. Gerber’s project is an outreach program that will reimburse 350 patients from underserved groups to participate in clinical trials and increase the number and diversity of patients. Through surveys and interviews, he will study factors that promote and hinder program success and will demonstrate the feasibility and impact of his intervention to health care systems and clinical trial sponsors, supporting the development of similar programs throughout Texas and nationwide.
