13522 Background: The Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups convened the GI Scientific Leadership Council (GI SLC) to provide leadership in establishing and advancing national research priorities for colorectal cancer clinical trials. A key objective was to complement and enhance the scientific programs of the NCI-sponsored GI Intergroup. Methods: A multidisciplinary group of investigators representing the spectrum of diagnostic, therapeutic, and laboratory disciplines engaged in colorectal cancer clinical research was convened in December 2004 to address the most important research opportunities in colorectal cancer, and clinical trials to address those opportunities. In April 2005, the concepts evolved were discussed with representatives of the patient advocate community and the pharmaceutical industry. In December 2005 the GI SLC presented its core research recommendations to more than 100 members of the cancer community. Results: Seven principal cross-cutting themes emerged, as well as ten strategic recommendations to be addressed over the next three years. A portfolio of high priority clinical trials was identified. The GI SLC has prioritized support for three colon cancer surgical adjuvant trials; two rectal cancer surgical adjuvant trials; two colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver trials; two metastatic colorectal trials; and one colon polyp and cancer detection study trial. These will be detailed in our presentation. Conclusions:The GI Scientific Leadership Council represents a novel approach to strengthen colorectal cancer clinical trials and correlative science research in the United States by providing a platform to bring together clinical investigators and translational researchers, the patient advocate community, and the pharmaceutical industry. The GI SLC plans to convene a Cancer Prevention Advisory Group in the first quarter of 2006 and plans to initiate one or more innovative clinical trials in collaboration with industry in 2006. The GI SLC will meet throughout 2006 to develop action plans, review progress towards those plans, and facilitate adoption of the research priorities across the cancer community. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Patient advocate involvement in the design and conduct of breast cancer clinical trials requiring the collection of multiple biopsies
