NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) - Cancer Science

What is the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP)?

The NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) is a national network funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It aims to bring cancer clinical trials and cancer care delivery research to people in their own communities. By doing this, NCORP hopes to improve the quality of cancer care and reduce cancer disparities.

How Does NCORP Work?

NCORP operates through a network of community sites and research bases. These sites conduct clinical trials and cancer care delivery research (CCDR). The community sites include oncology practices, hospitals, and academic institutions, while the research bases develop and coordinate the trials and studies. This integrated approach ensures that the latest advancements in cancer research reach local communities, making cutting-edge treatments more accessible.

Why is NCORP Important?

The significance of NCORP lies in its mission to make advanced cancer care available to a broader population, thus addressing cancer disparities. Many people living in rural or underserved areas do not have easy access to major cancer centers. By bringing clinical trials and innovative treatments to these communities, NCORP helps ensure that all patients, regardless of their location, have access to high-quality cancer care.

What Types of Research Does NCORP Conduct?

NCORP focuses on two main types of research:
Clinical Trials: These trials test new cancer treatments, drugs, and therapies to determine their safety and effectiveness. This includes precision medicine approaches, where treatments are tailored to the individual characteristics of each patient.
Cancer Care Delivery Research (CCDR): This research aims to improve how cancer care is delivered, focusing on factors like cost, access, and quality. CCDR studies can explore the impact of different care models, patient outcomes, and ways to reduce healthcare disparities.

Who Can Participate in NCORP?

Participation in NCORP is open to a wide range of community-based healthcare providers and institutions. These include community hospitals, oncology practices, and academic medical centers. Patients who are receiving care at these participating sites can also take part in the clinical trials and research studies conducted by NCORP.

How Does NCORP Benefit Patients?

Patients benefit from NCORP in several ways:
Access to the latest cancer treatments and clinical trials without having to travel long distances.
Participation in studies that may offer cutting-edge therapies not available outside of clinical trials.
Improved quality of care through research-driven innovations in cancer care delivery.
Contribution to scientific knowledge that may benefit future cancer patients.

What Are the Goals of NCORP?

NCORP has several key goals:
To reduce cancer disparities by making advanced cancer care accessible to underserved populations.
To enhance the quality of cancer care through rigorous research and clinical trials.
To foster collaborations between community-based healthcare providers and research institutions.
To generate data that can inform national cancer care guidelines and policies.

How is NCORP Funded?

NCORP is funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The program receives federal funding to support its network of community sites and research bases, ensuring that high-quality cancer care and research are available across the United States.



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