ALBERT

Description: The threats posed by the buprestid beetles emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) and bronze birch borer (Agrilus anxius Gory) have been the subject of considerable research, primarily to develop methods for detection and management of the pests. PREPSYS, a Euphresco project, has worked with collaborators globally to assess the ‘state of the art’ for the two insect pests and to identify those measures that would best prepare Europe for potential invasion by the pests, especially emerald ash borer which is now in the western part of Russia and in eastern Ukraine. Building on an excellent exchange of knowledge and discussion at the OECD-sponsored international conference held in Vienna in October 2018, the concept of a European Toolbox to increase preparedness for dealing with the pests has been developed. This includes key components including surveillance, direct intervention, use of natural enemies and increased awareness of the problems associated with the pests. Collaboration is essential in delivering and refining the European Toolbox.

Description: Background Although it is well documented that adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer have low participation in cancer clinical trials (CCTs), the underlying reasons are not well understood. We utilized the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) network to identify barriers and facilitators to AYA CCT enrollment, and strategies to improve enrollment at community-based and minority/underserved sites. Methods We performed one-on-one semi-structured qualitative interviews with stakeholders (NCORP Site Principle Investigators, NCORP Administrators, Physicians involved in enrollment, Lead Clinical Research Associates or Clinical Research Nurses, Nurse Navigators, Regulatory Research Associates, Patient Advocates) in the AYA CCT enrollment process. NCORP sites that included high- and low-AYA enrolling affiliate sites and were diverse in geography and department representation (eg, pediatrics, medical oncology) were invited to participate. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. Themes related to barriers and facilitators and strategies to improve enrollment were identified. Results We conducted 43 interviews across 10 NCORP sites. Eleven barriers and 13 facilitators to AYA enrollment were identified. Main barriers included perceived limited trial availability and eligibility, physician gatekeeping, lack of provider and research staff time, and financial constraints. Main facilitators and strategies to improve AYA enrollment included having a patient screening process, physician endorsement of trials, an “AYA champion” on site, and strong communication between medical and pediatric oncology. Conclusions Stakeholders identified several opportunities to address barriers contributing to low AYA CCT enrollment at community-based and minority/underserved sites. Results of this study will inform development and implementation of targeted interventions to increase AYA CCT enrollment.