Samuel Research Team Welcomed the CEO Roundtable on Cancer to a Team Meeting 

March 14, 2024 - Greensboro, NC

The Samuel Research Team enjoyed a visit from the CEO Roundtable on Cancer based out of Cary, NC. In a meeting on the North Carolina A&T State University's campus, the Samuel Research Team welcomed guests to their team meeting on March 14, 2024. 

Jon McDunn, president of the CEO Roundtable on Cancer, joined Ellie McCabe, an expert in nano oncology and microbial bacterial phage research for bacterial resistance, and Konyin Adewumi, a specialist in global public health and gynecology. The CEO roundtable on Cancer works in collaboration with Project DataSphere, which has been pivotal in aggregating and analyzing oncology data for over two decades. 

The discussions centered around several key themes, including enhancing public health through collaboration with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to bridge gaps in health systems. The participants emphasized the importance of NCI-designated cancer centers and their role in community engagement and federal government communication. 

"We need to identify barriers to progress and develop long term solutions," remarked McDunn during the meeting, stressing the importance of overcoming obstacles in oncology research and clinical trials. The group highlighted the collaborative efforts through Project DataSphere's CODA platform, supported by SAS analytics, which integrates over 200 datasets to streamline research and improve patient outcomes. 

Addressing disparities in healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas such as Flint, Michigan, Alabama, Louisiana, and parts of Houston, emerged as a critical priority. The team discussed upcoming initiatives to expand healthcare research, underscoring the commitment to equitable healthcare delivery. 

Project DataSphere's initiatives in rare cancer natural history registries and the "All of Us" program, which aims to sequence genetic variants from a diverse population, were also focal points. The emphasis on data quality and ethical handling, highlighted by concerns over de-identified data use, underscored the group's commitment to responsible research practices. 

The team also explored initiatives like "Going for Gold," designed to engage African American patients in the treatment process, and efforts to enhance employee health packages through the CEO Roundtable on Cancer. 

As the meeting concluded, McDunn expressed optimism about the future of collaborative oncology research, highlighting the role of educational initiatives like internships and fellowships to engage the next generation of researchers. The Samuel Research Team affirmed its commitment to advancing these initiatives, aiming to drive meaningful progress in oncology research and healthcare delivery. 

For more information on the CEO Roundtable on Cancer and Project DataSphere, visit ceoroundtableoncancer.org and projectdatasphere.org.