Exploring Barriers to Pediatric Cancer Clinical Trials: The Role of a Networked, Just-in-Time Study Program

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Genomic Medicine
• Clinical Trial Design

Background:

• The Research to Accelerate Cures and Equity (RACE) for Children Act promotes pediatric testing of targeted oncology drugs.
• Despite the act, pediatric cancer clinical trials face persistent enrollment challenges due to logistics, complexity, and access.
• A networked and centralized study approach may address these barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt a just-in-time clinical trial approach for pediatric oncology.
• To leverage real-world data and computational power for patient matching.
• To reduce challenges in developing novel pediatric therapeutics and improve patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Adapting an adult just-in-time clinical trial model for pediatric use.
• Utilizing innovative patient matching solutions.
• Leveraging large, real-world datasets and high computational power through the Tempus Integrated Molecular Evaluation (TIME) for Kids Program.

Main Results:

• The RACE for Children Act has created new drug development opportunities for pediatric cancer.
• Significant barriers to clinical trial enrollment for children with cancer remain.
• The TIME for Kids Program aims to address these barriers through innovative solutions.

Conclusions:

• A networked, centralized, and just-in-time approach can overcome pediatric clinical trial enrollment barriers.
• Innovative patient matching using real-world data can accelerate the development of new pediatric cancer therapies.
• Improving genomic biomarker testing and access can advance precision treatment and enhance outcomes for pediatric oncology patients.