In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, our expert panel discusses various ethical, safety, and logistical challenges in accelerating clinical trials for gene and cell therapies in oncology. The conversation explores the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs), Endpoint Adjudication Committees (EACs), and Data Monitoring Committees (DMCs) in overseeing these trials, addressing issues such as patient safety, complex trial designs, and emerging biosafety concerns. Our panelists emphasize the importance of transparent communication and collaboration between IRBs and IBCs, highlighting the need to balance the urgency of advancing research with ethical considerations. Additionally, the podcast explores unrealized ethical and safety issues, such as the pace of technological advancements and potential risks associated with gene editing. The speakers also touch upon future opportunities in oncology research, including precision medicine, artificial intelligence, wearable devices, and accelerated regulatory pathways.

In episode 10 of WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by Catherine Gregor, the Chief Clinical Trial Officer at Florence Healthcare, to discuss Florence’s recent Research Revolution event and the importance of site enablement in clinical research. Listen in as we recap Research Revolution, share insights on emerging clinical trial trends and innovations, and have a candid conversation about what stands in the way of successful site enablement in clinical research. 

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by Elizabeth Weeks-Rowe, CCRA, author of The CRA’s Guide to Monitoring Clinical Research, 6th Edition.

Led by WCG Director of Publications and Content, Leslie Ramsey, the discussion will delve into the ways the clinical trials industry has become more complex and technologically focused and the challenges clinical research associates (CRAs) face as monitors of clinical trials.

Host: Leslie Ramsey, Director of Publications and Content, WCG

 Participant: Elizabeth Weeks-Rowe, Independent Clinical Research Consultant

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by MAGI@home Steering Committee members, Jennifer Peterson, Director, Head of Clinical Quality at M3 Wake Research, and Geoffrey Schick, Director, Strategic Site Partnerships at WCG. 

Led by Carmin Gade, Chief Marketing Officer at WCG, the discussion will delve into the insights and value MAGI events provide that enable attendees to achieve success in their roles and professional development.

This episode of WCG Talks Trials, hosted by Kelly Fitzgerald, Executive IRB Chair and Vice President of IBC Affairs at WCG, dives into the topic of diversity and inclusion with technology in decentralized clinical trials (DCTs). The episode explores the transformative opportunities that DCTs present for addressing diversity gaps in clinical research. The discussion features a panel of experts, including Otis Johnson, former Chief Diversity, Inclusion, and Sustainability Officer at Clario; Archana Sah, a seasoned clinical development leader with a focus on oncology and healthcare technology; and Ken McCann, a physician with a background in pediatrics and a keen interest in social determinants of health. The panelists share insights on how DCTs can improve accessibility, overcome barriers, and enhance representation in clinical trials, emphasizing the potential for these trials to be a game-changer in making clinical research more equitable and inclusive. 

Guests:

• Archana Sah MS (Pharm.) PMP 
• Otis Johnson, PhD, MPA
• Ken McCann, MD 

Listen to the latest episode of WCG Talks Trials to hear from experts on the importance of patient advocacy in clinical research and key takeaways from WCG's 2023 Patient Forum. We'll summarize how the patient forum elevates the voices of those changing drug development for the better and recap breakthroughs and best practices shared during the most recent event.

Discover more about patient and researcher collaboration, expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion in trials, and the latest advocacy-driven technology, science, and policy breakthroughs leading to modernized clinical research.  

Guests:

• Desiree Underwood-Williams, PMP, CLSSBB, Director, Project Management Office, WCG
• Steve Smith, President, Patient Advocacy, WCG 

Listen to the latest episode of WCG Talks Trials to hear from experts on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical research and how intersectionality plays a role in promoting DE&I. We'll discuss why diversity is pivotal for comprehending the full spectrum of clinical care mechanisms and review effective DE&I strategies being deployed today. Discover how communities can be more actively engaged in clinical research and hear real-world examples of success stories in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within clinical research.

Moderator:

• Scott J. Hunter, PhD - Senior Scientific Expert, Neurodevelopmental and Rare Pediatric Diseases, WCG

Speakers:

• Sonya Dinizulu, PhD - Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago 
• Desiree Underwood-Williams, PMP, CLSSBB – Director, Project Management Office, WCG 

Join WCG Talks Trials podcast host Kelly Fitzgerald, PhD, in a riveting dialogue with guest expert Currien MacDonald, MD, as they unravel the nuances of "Psychedelics in Research: Ethical and Medical Perspectives." 

Dr. MacDonald, with a solid foundation in family medicine and clinical trials administration, guides listeners through a grounded exploration of psychedelic substances. In this episode, they demystify the realm of psychedelics, encompassing both dissociative and classic varieties, such as LSD and MDMA. 

As the conversation delves into ongoing research, the potential applications of these compounds in treating mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder come to the fore. The dialogue doesn't shy away from probing the ethical dimensions surrounding psychedelic research, addressing concerns about study design, potential abuse, and the intricate balance between benefits and risks. This insightful podcast offers an engaging journey into the evolving field of psychedelic research, shedding light on its medical potential and the ethical considerations that guide its path.

In episode three of WCG Talks Trials, two WCG experts discuss key findings from the 2023 Avoca State of the Industry Report, which provides a 360-degree view on motivators and deterrents to clinical trial participation.

Listen in as we dive into feedback from perspectives across all clinical research stakeholders — sponsors, providers, sites, and patients — for valuable take-aways and insights into the trial experience.

Speakers:

Crissy MacDonald, PhD, Vice President, Client Delivery, WCG Avoca

Gina DiCindio, Associate Director, Industry and Client Research, WCG Avoca

In episode two of WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by two WCG experts to discuss overcoming common enrollment challenges and how DE&I, technology, and protocol design factor into enrollment success.

Listen in as we delve into the critical topic of common enrollment barriers in clinical trials, how to improve enrollment by focusing on DE&I efforts, the importance of site-centric and patient-centric technologies, and how thoughtful protocol design plays a significant role in enrollment success.

Speakers:

• Dawn Sauro, Chief Growth Officer, WCG
• Jamie Harper, MHA, CCRP - Vice President, Site Solutions & Engagement at WCG
• Tyler Bye - Director, Site Solutions & Product Strategy at WCG