Columbia University Minority/Underserved Site NCI Community Oncology Research Program

The Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center’s NCORP program at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (HICCC/CUIMC/NCORP) has developed a robust and sustainable infrastructure to support the activation and accrual of NCI Clinical Trials Network (NCTN/NCORP) studies. Our program is dedicated to extending high-quality cancer care and clinical trial access to populations within our designated catchment area. The program’s core aims are to: 1. Expand access to a comprehensive portfolio of NCI-supported trials in cancer prevention, screening, treatment (Phases I–III), care delivery, and biospecimen collection; 2. Enhance accrual by increasing awareness and availability of trials; 3. Lead and contribute to NCORP/NCTN research efforts, and 4. Collaborate with NCORP-wide initiatives to drive innovation across the national cancer research landscape. Over the past six years, HICCC/CUIMC/NCORP has activated over 143 trials and enrolled more than 1,513 patients across key focus areas. We have consistently exceeded accrual benchmarks and have taken on leadership roles in multiple national studies. These outcomes reflect the program’s strong integration of research with community engagement and clinical care delivery. By expanding clinical trial access in areas with limited care availability, we are improving enrollment rates and supporting the broader implementation of advancements in cancer treatment.