Daniel G Petereit1, Linda Burhansstipanov. 1. Department of Radiation Oncology, John T. Vucurevich Regional Cancer Care Institute, Rapid City Regional Hospital, 353 Fairmont Boulevard, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA. dpetereit@rcrh.org
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cancer mortality rates among American Indians (AIs) in the Northern Plains are among the highest in the nation. Reasons for this disparity are unclear but are probably due to multiple barriers. AIs appear to experience more intense side effects from therapeutic radiation compared with other populations. This differential response to treatment, a disparity in itself, might be overcome if the molecular reasons were better understood. METHODS: The National Cancer Institute developed the Cancer Disparity Research Partnership to address these inequities. This initiative, known as the Walking Forward program, attempts to lower cancer mortality rates for AIs by increasing access to innovative clinical trials, behavioral research, patient navigation, and the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene study. The ATM component of the project was initiated to determine if there is a molecular basis for this apparent differential response to therapeutic radiation. Successful implementation of the genetic study relied on achieving a trusting partnership with AIs since a lack of trust has historically been a barrier to performing research in this population. The authors detail the nature of building partnerships and trust by utilizing lessons learned. RESULTS: Establishing a trusting partnership between a community hospital and AIs in South Dakota resulted in successful recruitment to this ATM clinical trial. To date, 26 AIs and 40 non-AIs have consented to participate in this ATM analysis. Their shared human desire to assist others, especially family and community members, and their demonstrated responsiveness to community priorities by academic researchers are the primary reasons for participant eagerness to enroll on this study. CONCLUSIONS: The relatively rapid approval of the ATM genetic study by multiple tribal organizations and the successful accrual of AIs on this study reflect the trusting partnerships achieved at the patient and community levels.
BACKGROUND:Cancer mortality rates among American Indians (AIs) in the Northern Plains are among the highest in the nation. Reasons for this disparity are unclear but are probably due to multiple barriers. AIs appear to experience more intense side effects from therapeutic radiation compared with other populations. This differential response to treatment, a disparity in itself, might be overcome if the molecular reasons were better understood. METHODS: The National Cancer Institute developed the Cancer Disparity Research Partnership to address these inequities. This initiative, known as the Walking Forward program, attempts to lower cancer mortality rates for AIs by increasing access to innovative clinical trials, behavioral research, patient navigation, and the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene study. The ATM component of the project was initiated to determine if there is a molecular basis for this apparent differential response to therapeutic radiation. Successful implementation of the genetic study relied on achieving a trusting partnership with AIs since a lack of trust has historically been a barrier to performing research in this population. The authors detail the nature of building partnerships and trust by utilizing lessons learned. RESULTS: Establishing a trusting partnership between a community hospital and AIs in South Dakota resulted in successful recruitment to this ATM clinical trial. To date, 26 AIs and 40 non-AIs have consented to participate in this ATM analysis. Their shared human desire to assist others, especially family and community members, and their demonstrated responsiveness to community priorities by academic researchers are the primary reasons for participant eagerness to enroll on this study. CONCLUSIONS: The relatively rapid approval of the ATM genetic study by multiple tribal organizations and the successful accrual of AIs on this study reflect the trusting partnerships achieved at the patient and community levels.
Authors: Daniel G Petereit; Deborah Rogers; Frank Govern; Norman Coleman; Christen H Osburn; Steve P Howard; Judith Kaur; Linda Burhansstipanov; C Jack F Fowler; Richard Chappell; Minesh P Mehta Journal: J Clin Oncol Date: 2004-11-15 Impact factor: 44.544
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Authors: B Ashleigh Guadagnolo; Daniel G Petereit; Petra Helbig; David Koop; Patricia Kussman; Emily Fox Dunn; Asha Patnaik Journal: Clin Trials Date: 2009-11-23 Impact factor: 2.486