Scientific Programs

The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group, a multidisciplinary, membership-based scientific organization, has established three programs as the formal structure of its research activities: Cancer Control and Outcomes, Therapeutic Studies, and Biomarker Sciences. The formation of three distinct—yet complementary—scientific programs was necessary to accommodate the Group’s expansive research portfolio, as well as the size, diversity, and multidisciplinary nature of the membership.

Group science emanates from integral, interrelated interactions across the three programs, which contain nearly 30 standing committees, subcommittees, and working groups, many members of which are nationally recognized key thought leaders with broad experience in clinical research disciplines and translational science. ECOG-ACRIN members are encouraged to be involved across the three programs by serving on multiple committees and working groups, an integration that provides a dynamic multidisciplinary environment in which to pursue new scientific concepts.

The three scientific programs are listed here, with brief descriptions and links to additional information:

• The Cancer Control and Outcomes Program addresses a broad range of research aims, which include prevention, early detection, diagnosis, symptom management, patient-reported outcomes, survivorship, comparative effectiveness, cost effectiveness, health outcomes, and health economics. This program is also responsible for Group-wide efforts to increase patient participation in ECOG-ACRIN studies, with a particular focus on underserved populations.

• The Therapeutic Studies Program designs and conducts the Group’s phase I, II, and III treatment trials and associated correlative and laboratory studies. The program consists of 11 scientific committees and working groups that address the following cancer types: brain, breast, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, gynecologic, head and neck, leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma, myeloma, and thoracic.

• The Biomarker Sciences Program fosters translational and correlative science across the Group. It develops and validates advanced imaging and laboratory biomarkers through its own pilot studies and serves as a resource for the Cancer Control and Outcomes and Therapeutic Studies programs by identifying biomarkers for potential application in clinical trials designed by the scientific committees. The program is also the entry point for laboratory and imaging scientists to bring new ideas forward for consideration by the Group.

Together, the three scientific programs address ECOG-ACRIN’s stated purpose, which is to achieve research advances in all aspects of cancer care.