The University of Chicago Prostate Cancer Clinical Research Program

The University of Chicago Prostate Cancer Clinical Research Program award, Grant number W81XWH-22-2-0023, is an infrastructure grant to support the prostate cancer clinical research program at the University of Chicago as part of the Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium (PCCTC). Per the approved SOW, the overarching goal of the award is to support the program such that it will meet or exceed PCCTC metric requirements and thereby contribute meaningfully to the development of new therapies for men with prostate cancer. Major tasks in the award are to (1) adhere to performance metrics of PCCTC program announcement (2021), including accrual of adequate numbers of patients, including those of underserved minority populations, and presentation of trials for inclusion in the PCCTC, and (2) full participation in the consortium. Within this reporting period we report significant progress towards these Aims. The program has accrued 25 patients to PCCTC studies, with 9 additional patients consented and screening as of this report. Furthermore, 24 percent of accrued patients are from underserved patient populations (Hispanic ethnicity or Black). The Chicago Program has submitted 2 studies to the consortium during this reporting period and has two concepts in development. Participation of Program members in the consortium is robust, with 2 members on the Prostate Cancer Working Group 4 committee and 2 on the genomics committee, along with consistent attendance at meetings and EAB. Thus, the University of Chicago Prostate Cancer Clinical Research Program has made considerable progress and currently meeting requirements as per the program announcement. One challenge has been in protocol activation. Due to staffing shortcoming in University pharmacy and contracting offices, startup of studies, including PCCTC studies has been slower than anticipated. This is expected to improve based on staff growth in these areas in last 6 months.