Evolution of the imCORE Network during and post the COVID-19 pandemic: shifting priorities in oncology clinical trials

The immunotherapy Centers of Research Excellence (imCORE) Network is a worldwide research network. Pre-coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Network established itself as a partnership model leader with several years of experience. COVID-19 directly impacted clinical research conduct, imCORE sites, patients, and how the network operates.

The sponsor created a survey assessing operational priorities of Network sites pre-COVID-19, immediately post-COVID-19, and present day. The survey asked each site to prioritize 14 operational aspects of clinical research at the three separate timepoints allowing for data comparison between the timepoints.

This paper highlights the impacts of COVID-19 to the operational priorities of imCORE sites. This includes specific measures taken to evolve to fit the needs of its sites and their patients, and presents a path forward for site networks to consider in the new reality of COVID-19 era clinical trials.

Site networks positively impacted site knowledge and experience through the pandemic and beyond. Sponsors must recognize each site as a unique entity with their own priorities and focus while understanding a commonality of priorities within regions and among research sites globally. We recommend the creation of site networks to further strengthen the sponsor-site relationship.