We propose forming the Accelerating Clinical Oncology Research Network - Texas (ACORN-TX) to expand awareness and availability of cancer clinical trials to North and Central Texas. The Network Lead Institution (LI)-the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center (SCCC) at UT Southwestern Medical Center-is located in Dallas County, which has a 'minority-majority' population of 2.7 million people. Network Affiliate (NA) sites, Baylor Scott & White in Temple and John Peter Smith (JPS) Hospital in Fort Worth were selected for their commitment to clinical research, access to populations currently lacking adequate access to cancer clinical trials, and feasibility. BSW-Temple is the flagship campus for Bay...

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We propose forming the Accelerating Clinical Oncology Research Network - Texas (ACORN-TX) to expand awareness and availability of cancer clinical trials to North and Central Texas. The Network Lead Institution (LI)-the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center (SCCC) at UT Southwestern Medical Center-is located in Dallas County, which has a 'minority-majority' population of 2.7 million people. Network Affiliate (NA) sites, Baylor Scott & White in Temple and John Peter Smith (JPS) Hospital in Fort Worth were selected for their commitment to clinical research, access to populations currently lacking adequate access to cancer clinical trials, and feasibility. BSW-Temple is the flagship campus for Baylor Scott & White Health, the largest not for profit healthcare system in Texas which provides cancer care to a large population in rural areas of Texas. JPS, the safety-net provider in Tarrant County, serves vulnerable populations with barriers to healthcare including individuals who are who are low-income, un/underinsured, or from racial/ethnic minority groups. ACORN-TX will enhance clinical trial access for patients belonging to rural areas, and those who belong to ethnic and racial monitory backgrounds. ACORN-TX will prioritize phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, particularly precision oncology trials by 1) understanding the catchment area needs, 2) activating the appropriate clinical trials and 3) ensuring system based tools are in place to ensure patients are offered participation in clinical trials. In order to facilitate access of cancer clinical trials we propose the following aims: 1) Enhance the clinical research infrastructure to support clinical trial accrual at NA sites. 2) Improve access to cancer clinical trials for community oncology centers in North Texas, 3) Promote cancer clinical trials to oncology providers in north and central Texas.

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