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  • Anticipate treatment barriers
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Pathways to Precision: Improving Clinical Trial Access in Oncology Settings

Goal

Seamlessly integrate with an organization’s existing initiatives to strengthen connections between oncology institutions and the community they serve.

Overview

Biomarker testing is the foundation of precision oncology, yet over 60% of patients do not receive tumor testing, potentially limiting their personalized options. Furthermore, only 5-7% of patients access emerging therapies available in clinical trials. 

Patient access to these vital services can be hindered by a lack of understanding of the utility of biomarker testing, and clinical trial participation.

This pilot aims to collaboratively develop solutions to bridge such critical gaps, enhance patient education, and expand access to clinical trials, while supporting healthcare providers in delivering precision oncology care.

Solutions will be dependent on oncology clinics and programs’ KPIs (key process indicators) and goals.

 

 

Advancing Precision Medicine: Training Health Workers in Biomarkers and  Clinical Trials

Goal

Enhance its existing patient support services by providing specialized oncology education and expert clinical support.

Overview

As cancer treatment continues to evolve, personalized care decisions—such as biomarker testing, targeted therapies, and clinical trial participation—are becoming increasingly important. However, understanding these complex options can be overwhelming for both patients and those who support them.

Through this partnership, Cancer Help Desk will serve as an on-demand educational resource that delivers concise, digestible learning modules that equip community healthcare workers with the tools they need to confidently introduce advanced cancer care concepts. This initiative ensures that individuals facing cancer receive the most relevant, up-to-date information about their treatment and care options, ultimately empowering them to make informed, life-changing decisions.

Additionally, this collaboration will allow us to gather initial data on the impact of oncology education in community-based support settings. The insights gained will provide a foundation for future funding opportunities to expand and scale this initiative, ensuring even greater access to expert-driven cancer care.

Deborah Pappas is a seasoned banking professional with over 30 years of experience in commercial lending and more than a decade specializing in cash and treasury management tools. Her extensive expertise enables her to deliver tailored financial solutions to successful individuals, their businesses, and families. Deborah has a deep understanding of her clients’ unique needs, particularly those of closely held businesses, non-profits, and affluent individuals.  She had the opportunity to serve on several non-profit boards.  During her service in those organizations, she often worked as a member of Finance, Audit and Executive Board Committees.  She found being involved in the non-profit organizations gave her learning opportunities she never would have had otherwise.

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Caitlan is a Biomedical Scientist with 6+ years of hands-on expertise in cell signaling and infectious disease, with a particular focus on cancer biology. She received her PhD from the University of Texas Medical Branch and made significant contributions to scientific literature, shedding light on crucial aspects of bacterial influence on cell signaling pathways that induce tumorigenesis. Her research has revealed key insights into the role of pathogens in modulating signaling processes that control cell fate and contribute to the initiation and progression of cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. Joining Cancer Help Desk allows Caitlan to share her scientific expertise with patients, caregivers, and anyone dealing with cancer. Caitlan has been personally impacted by cancer through supporting some of her closest family members during their cancer diagnosis.

Karena Kosco, PhD, has over 15 years of experience working in the biotechnology industry. Most recently she has focused on the development and validation of molecular diagnostic tests for oncology.  With this experience, she has gained a broad understanding of key oncology biomarkers, their importance in personalized medicine, and the selection of appropriate targeted therapies. Understanding the genetic alterations driving tumor growth has always been one of her primary professional interests. Joining Cancer Help Desk enables Karena to apply her scientific expertise in biomarker testing to directly help patients understand their options. Karena earned her B.S. in Chemistry (cum laude) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and her PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cellular Biology from Cornell University.

Shelley has 40+ years of accounting and finance experience for both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. For the past 15 years, she supported the nonprofit community as CFO/Director of Finance/COO for organizations including Cancer Commons, TED, Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, Community School of Music and Arts, and Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Shelley brings expertise in analysis, advice, and guidance regarding operation and strategic issues and works collaboratively to strengthen organizational effectiveness. Shelley has been personally affected by cancer after losing her husband to melanoma and some of her dearest friends to cancer. Shelley has committed her career to helping cancer patients identify the best care options. Through Cancer Help Desk, Shelley can lend her expertise to ensuring that the organization remains mission-focused and fiscally responsible.

Deb has 20+ years of experience in nursing and is multiply certified, including as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist with an oncology specialty. She was previously the Director of Patient Services for Cancer Commons and former System Lead for Oncology Navigation and Survivorship for a large healthcare system. She is regularly published by and a Contributing Editor for the Oncology Nursing Society’s publication, VOICE, and other nursing publications. Deb has committed the remainder of her working years to helping cancer patients navigate to the best possible care. Starting Cancer Help Desk is her “dream job” and every day is committed to helping patients and caregivers who can benefit from her experience as an oncology advanced practice nurse.

Diane is an accomplished medical science liaison in the biotech industry. Her career has been marked by exceptional performance and a deep commitment to bridging the gap between scientific innovation and clinical application. Diane has consistently demonstrated her sales, marketing, and business management expertise. Her ability to build strong relationships with world-class clientele has been a cornerstone of her success. As a medical science liaison, she has leveraged these skills to effectively communicate complex scientific information to healthcare professionals, researchers, and key opinion leaders.

Susan served as the CFO of Harvard Investment Company, based in Redwood City, CA. Prior to this position, she was the co-founder of Pacific Express Airlines, based out of Chico, CA. In addition, her background includes numerous years in the cruise industry, working for Royal Viking Line, American Hawaii Cruises and Crystal Cruises. She currently serves on the Boards for NCEFT, based in Woodside, CA and Peninsula Volunteers, located in Menlo Park, chairing both of their annual fundraisers. Susan has been involved with nonprofits for numerous years.

Mike is the founder of Courage Groups, an organization supporting caregivers and providing therapy for grief. A prostate cancer survivor, Looney has battled the disease for nine years using immunotherapy. After his wife’s death from Triple Negative Breast Cancer in 2021, his personal experience with caregiving and grief fueled his passion for helping others. Looney trained as a psychotherapist, focusing on mind and image control for Stage IV cancer patients at Cal Poly State University. He later transitioned to Organizational Development, working at Apple and Adobe before retiring in 2006.

Oncology Nurse Navigation

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Financial Navigation

  • Assess your current financial situation.
  • Identify resources addressing your current needs (grants, housing, bill consolidation)
  • Provide you with instructions on how to access resources.
  • Connect you with specialized organizations (legal, workplace, disability).
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Scientific Case Review

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Biomarker Analysis

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Speak with An Oncology Nurse Navigator

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  • Guides you to solutions

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