According to a March 13 press release, three of Chicago’s medical centers are being convened by the nonprofit Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation to launch the Chicago Breast Cancer Research Consortium (CBCRC), a collaboration that will make clinical trials more accessible to Chicago-area breast cancer patients.
The press release states, “The partnership, funded by a $1.8 million donation from the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation, includes the University of Chicago Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Medicine, and RUSH University System for Health. Consortium trials will be offered at all three health systems, which ensures a diverse patient pool and allows patients to receive treatment in their own communities.”
Part of the donation is allocated for patient expenses, like travel and childcare.
The research will be led by a steering committee comprised of UChicago Medicine breast cancer specialist Rita Nanda, MD, Northwestern Medicine Hematology and Oncology Chief William Gradishar, MD, and RUSH oncologist Ruta Rao, MD.
The press release adds that “The consortium’s aim is to launch their first clinical trial in 2024 and to have multiple trials running by 2025. The accumulated research data, along with biological samples and medical images from patients who participate at all three sites, will be housed at UChicago Medicine. Drawing from UChicago Medicine’s infrastructure and expertise in multi-site trials, staff on the Hyde Park campus will ensure centralized communication among sites, making it easier and quicker to conduct studies.”
Olusimbo Ige, MD, MPH, commissioner of the CDPH was quoted in the release saying that “The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) commends the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation and its partners, University of Chicago Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, and RUSH University System for Health on its joint initiative to improve access to clinical trials, particularly for minority populations and those who face barriers to participation. This focus reflects CDPH's own investments in comprehensive breast health programs that, through partners, provide screening mammograms, navigation support, and innovative community outreach to Black and Latina women.”
UChicago Medicine has the press release.
