Representation matters in clinical studies. Conducting clinical studies that accurately reflect real-world disease demographics increases access to innovative treatments, advances science and leads to better health outcomes.
In 2021, Genentech launched its Advancing Inclusive Research® Site Alliance with several clinical research centers to build a sustainable framework that improves representation of diverse patient populations in our clinical studies.
Our participation in the Site Alliance enables us to bring cutting-edge therapies through clinical studies to South Texas cancer patients and develop information to improve the recruitment efforts of centers nationwide.
- Ruben Mesa, MD, FACP, Executive Director, Mays Cancer Center, UT Health San Antonio
The Advancing Inclusive Research® Site Alliance’s founding members include four clinical research centers in California, Texas, Alabama and Tennessee — areas with higher proportions of Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx populations. These highly respected research centers were selected based on many factors, including their demonstrated clinical expertise, and success in recruiting patients of color and diverse and inclusive workforces.
Our Site Alliance allows us to partner with clinical trial sites that are on the front lines so that we can create long-lasting relationships with diverse communities, and hopefully facilitate many kinds of clinical studies over time.
- Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development
These sites will also publicly share key learnings and innovative strategies for increasing inclusive access to clinical studies for all patients. In the years to come, we aim to expand the Advancing Inclusive Research® Site Alliance to more research centers and broaden the scope to include additional disease areas.
City of Hope
City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, is an extensive healthcare system in the Los Angeles area that includes more than 35 sites that cover urban and suburban patient populations. Under the guidance of Dr. Rick Kittles, director of the institution’s division of health equities, City of Hope has made considerable progress recruiting Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx patients into clinical research.
Additionally, through the Center of Community Alliance for Research & Education (CCARE) program, City of Hope collaborates with school districts, community organizations and advocacy groups to provide chronic disease prevention programs for underrepresented and underserved patients and communities. The center has also focused on forging stronger ties with the local Hispanic/Latinx community, which makes up 46% of the population in its area.
Community outreach and engagement is at the foundation of increasing diversity in clinical studies. In partnership with our Advancing Inclusive Research® Site Alliance sites, What is a Clinical Research Study is an animated video Genentech created to provide easy-to-understand information about the clinical research study process for patients, with emphasis on representation and inclusion.
Read more about the founding of the Advancing Inclusive Research Site Alliance here.