Many researchers and pharmaceutical companies use specific strategies to diversify their patient population to ensure that patients of all backgrounds benefit from innovative therapies and clinical studies. At PHEN’s third session of the African American Prostate Cancer Disparity Summit in September 2023, directors from top biopharmaceuticals came together to discuss their strategies for increasing the diversity of clinical trial participants.
Ms. Kim Fookes, Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Trials, Global Development at Novartis described how learning about the vast disparity data inspires her to try changing the hearts and minds of people who don’t understand these health inequities. By sharing personal stories, she’s been able to create a network of people who can help make this change and address these disparities. Ms. Fookes also explained how Novartis has started to collaborate with other organizations in a holistic approach once the COVID-19 pandemic hit. One key initiative – Beacon of Hope – enables the next generation of STEM and healthcare workers to include the Black and Brown populations. That involves awarding scholarships and mentorships to develop greater diversity. It also included establishing and increasing the capacity of Clinical Trials Centers of Excellence across historically Black medical schools.
Ms. Amy Worth, Associate Director in Clinical Operations at MacroGenics, explained that her inspiration comes from her mother, an oncology nurse for 45 years. Her example included helping patients beyond work hours and addressing every need of patient care in the local community. That moved Ms. Amy Worth to make an impact on patients’ journeys. Ms. Worth explained how MacroGenics’ initiatives stem from patient organizations like PHEN. With the right conversations, they put into action what they have learned from others. At MacroGenics, her team has developed a toolkit in which medical staff learn tips and tricks for cross-cultural communication and ways to increase diversity in their clinical trial patient population. Her team also shows a video to investigators from prostate cancer patients explaining how to boost diversity.
Ms. Sandra Amaro, MBA, Head of Clinical Trial Diversity at Pfizer, stays motivated because her work is critically important for communities of color. She also has a personal component as part of this work. Her Dominican father-in-law was diagnosed with prostate cancer four years ago. That led her to see how his diagnosis was treated and the importance of advocacy. Ms. Amaro has explained how all of the speakers during this Summit’s session know each other and have collaborated before. By working together, they have come closer to achieving equity for minority populations. Additionally, Pfizer is creating fellowship programs with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), medical schools, and nursing programs.
Ms. Natalie Macario, Project Associate for the Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium (PCCTC), explained that she enjoys showing people in communities of color the value of healthcare access. She also sees the importance of tying people’s culture to their healthcare needs. At PCCTC, Ms. Macario works with patients to connect them to the PROMISE registry, which is a virtual genetic testing registry. Her role includes reaching out to Black and Brown communities to sign up for the genetic testing registry.
Ms. Cameron Davis, Associate Director of Clinical Trial Diversity at Merck, works closely with the clinical operations teams to implement strategies to enhance diversity. Ms. Davis is driven to work in this field due to her professional and personal experience including having family members impacted by cancer. She understands how increasing diversity can improve equity and healthcare access. At Merck, diversity and inclusion in clinical trials mean making a real community connection and collaborating with patient advocacy groups like PHEN. That also means incorporating patients’ voices within clinical trials. Ms. Davis and her operations team focus on site selection, including community site locations, to strengthen the connection between local communities and healthcare providers.
Lastly, Ms. Lisa Lewis, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Clinical Trials, Oncology at Janssen, explained how the high stakes of cancer diagnoses as well as her own family’s diversity and her mother’s breast cancer prognosis drive her to pursue this field. In addition, her father is a ten-year prostate cancer survivor and her husband is a three-year prostate cancer survivor. Ms. Lewis discussed a platform at Janssen in which advocates educate the public on clinical trials, including approaching people of color about entering innovative trials. In particular, Janssen educates people on where medicine is today and the safeguards in place for those who participate in clinical trials. Investigators should consider the many strategies outlined here to increase diversity in their own clinical research.
