Improving access to therapeutic clinical trials: a randomized controlled trial of GUIDE navigation and reimbursement
By
Kristine A. Karvonen
Jean A. McDougall
Elizabeth A. Carosso
Tina Burrows
Solange H. Mecham
Chongzhi Di
Sarah D. Hohl
Elizabeth Stohr
Anne Devine
Hannah Linden
Ajay K. Gopal
Evan Y. Yu
Andrew J. Cowan
Jason A. Mendoza
June 16, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Enhancing Access to Cancer Clinical Trials: A Randomized Controlled Study of the GUIDE Navigation Program and Financial Support
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Cancer clinical trials Key Mechanisms Clinical trial navigation and financial reimbursement for trial-related expenses Target Population Adults with cancer eligible for clinical trials Care Setting Cancer centers and clinics
Key Highlights
GUIDE program aims to improve clinical trial access for socioeconomically disadvantaged populations Pilot RCT evaluating feasibility and preliminary efficacy of GUIDE with 100 participants Participants randomized to receive GUIDE with usual care or usual care alone Focus on reducing financial burden and addressing health-related social needs Conducted at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, WA Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Identify patients eligible for clinical trials through pre-existing screening programs Management
Implement clinical trial navigation programs that include financial support Monitoring & Follow-up
Evaluate enrollment and retention rates in clinical trials Risks
Potential disparities in trial participation due to socioeconomic factors Patient & Prescribing Data
Adults with cancer facing socioeconomic barriers
GUIDE provides navigation and financial reimbursement to enhance trial participation
Clinical Best Practices
Utilize clinical trial navigators with diverse backgrounds to support patients Address health-related social needs to improve trial access Combine navigation services with financial reimbursement for trial-related expenses Related Resources & Content
