The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (ECOG-ACRIN) is a multidisciplinary, membership-based scientific organization that designs and conducts biomarker-driven cancer research involving adults who have or are at risk of developing cancer. Its network of member institutions is a core component of the Group and its three scientific programs: Cancer Control and Outcomes, Therapeutic Studies, and Biomarker Sciences (learn more here).
The flexible structure of the ECOG-ACRIN membership program has resulted in a large network that provides substantial capabilities for the Group to carry out innovative research, whether in the form of a small focused study in a single center or a large-scale population-based trial across multiple institutions.
The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group membership program is institution-based and consists of four types of membership: Standing Main Members, Scientific Main Members, Affiliate Members, and Special Participants.
Program Offers Varying Levels of Interaction and Commitment
Institutional membership in the Group is open to research facilities that meet certain prerequisites. Institutions are broadly defined as university schools of medicine, academic medical centers, National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated and other cancer centers, Lead Academic Participating Sites (LAPS), NCI Community Oncology Research Programs (NCORPs) and Minority and Underserved NCORPs (MU NCORPs), health systems, community hospitals, clinics, imaging practices, and physician practices. Notably, through membership, institutions supply the Group with many important research assets, such as biospecimen repositories, imaging and pathology reference laboratories, prevention centers, and translational science centers. Such assets are often a permanent part of an institution’s own research facilities and programs.
These classifications include varying levels of interaction and commitment from institutions and their research personnel.
ECOG-ACRIN Membership is Closely Associated with Membership in the National Cancer Institute
Membership in ECOG-ACRIN is closely associated with membership in the National Cancer Institute’s National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN). Institutions must be part of the NCTN in order to be members of ECOG-ACRIN.
Formal membership in ECOG-ACRIN allows physicians at participating institutions to be able to provide their patients with access to clinical trials being conducted through the NCTN. It is also the only way to participate in any clinical trials that are open only to ECOG-ACRIN member institutions and trials being conducted by PrECOG, LLC. Specifically, patients who participate in ECOG-ACRIN trials receive their care from physicians at member institutions. Formal membership is also required for physicians and researchers to participate in the Group’s scientific and research support committees.
Learn more about the four membership types by following the links below.
