RTP Chapter: Hybrid Operations to Promote Equity (HOPE) - Establishing Oncology Hybrid Decentralized

When:  Aug 20, 2026 from 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM (ET)

RTP Chapter: Hybrid Operations to Promote Equity (HOPE) - Establishing Oncology Hybrid Decentralized Clinical Trials Across NC

 
This is a hybrid event
 
Location:
NC Biotech Center 
15 T.W. Alexander Dr 
Durham, NC 27713 
 
Event Description:
Access to cancer clinical trials remains limited for many patients, particularly those in rural and medically understudied communities. Participation often requires long-distance travel to academic medical centers, increasing logistical and financial burdens while separating patients from trusted local providers and support systems. This presentation highlights Hybrid Operations to Promote Equity (HOPE), a UNC Lineberger initiative that expands oncology clinical trial access across North Carolina through hybrid decentralized clinical trial (DCT) models. In this approach, specialized research activities are conducted at the central trial site, while routine or standard-of-care procedures that do not require protocol-specific training are performed by local healthcare providers. Participants will learn how hybrid DCTs use partnerships with community providers and hospitals to bring clinical research closer to patients while maintaining centralized study oversight. Lessons learned from engaging stakeholders across North Carolina, operational strategies for implementing hybrid trials, and early outcomes demonstrating expanded trial access and enrollment will be shared. The session will also highlight practical approaches to addressing challenges related to patient and provider awareness, remote consent, screening, biospecimen collection, investigational product management, and community-based trial operations. 
 
Speakers:
  • J. Kaitlin Morrison, PhD, Executive Director, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Clinical Research
  • Carrie Lee, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Clinical Research 
 
Learning Objectives:
  1. Explain the principles of hybrid decentralized clinical trial (DCT) models and distinguish them from traditional multicenter clinical trial approaches.
  2. Identify operational strategies and community partnerships that support implementation of hybrid oncology clinical trials, including remote consent, screening, local clinical assessments, and biospecimen collection.
  3. Evaluate opportunities and challenges associated with adopting hybrid DCT models within their own clinical research programs. 
 
Event Agenda:
  • 6:00-6:30 Sign-in and networking 
  • 6:30-7:30 presentation and Q and A 
  • 7:30-8:00 networking and close 
 
Registration Information:
This event is free to attend. Click here to register by 8/19/26. Each attendee is required to have their own registration – only one registration per transaction.
 
After registering, please visit the event's community page to find the login information or any additional event updates, and to communicate with the event organizer.
 
The educational portion of this event may be self-reported as 1 point toward an attendee’s Maintenance of Certification. These points are subject to review and acceptance by the Academy of Clinical Research Professionals in accordance with the criteria established. Attendees should keep a record of event participation in case they are randomly selected to participate in the maintenance verification process. The Chapter can provide a certificate of attendance upon request.

Location

NC Biotech Center
15 T.W. Alexander Dr
Durham, NC 27713
Event Image

Contact

Linda Shostak

vicepresident@acrprtp.org