CARG at SIOG 2024

CARG and SIOG Unite for Equity in Cancer Care

The Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG) is excited to share highlights from our recent collaboration with the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) at the SIOG 2024 Annual Conference, themed “Promoting Equity and Enhancing Optimal Care Delivery.” This year’s conference brought together professionals dedicated to advancing cancer care among older adults, and CARG was proud to be an integral part of these important discussions.

On October 17, CARG hosted a grant-writing workshop tailored for cancer and aging research. The Cancer and Aging Research Group Grant-Writing Workshop, co-lead by Drs. Allison Magnuson and Mina Sedrak, was sponsored by CARG as a career development activity. The workshop reviewed essential elements of a grant and timelines of when and how to put a grant together. Highlights included US NIH grant review processes, as well as others in Canada and Europe. Discussion also focused on career development awards, smaller pilots, and foundation awards. The session consisted of presentations by Drs. Mina Sedrak, Supriya Mohile, Allison Magnuson, and William Dale. Roundtable discussion composed of senior leaders in CARG and CARinG SCOREboard and SIOG. This workshop aimed to empower researchers with the tools and skills necessary to secure funding for impactful projects. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions, learning best practices for writing compelling grant proposals that can drive forward innovative research in the field of geriatric oncology. This workshop is part of CARG’s ongoing commitment to build capacity within the research community and to ensure that vital studies addressing the intersection of cancer and aging receive the support and funding they need.

A key highlight was the workshop, Modernizing Trial Design to Improve the Evidence Base for Older Adults Workshop, led by Dr. Heidi Klepin. This session focused on improving the evidence base for older adults in clinical trials, addressing the unique challenges they face and emphasizing the importance of inclusive research practices. The workshop, co-led by Drs. Heidi Klepin and Laura Levit, was sponsored by ASCO/FDA and aimed to discuss aspects of modern clinical trial design to improve the evidence base for older adults. Speakers included Drs. Efrat Dotan, Melissa Loh, Judith Hopkins, Bindu Kanapuru, Asma Dilawari, Etienne Brain, and Ms. Beverly Canin. Dr. Klepin’s insights sparked meaningful conversations about how to adapt trial design to better serve the aging population, ensuring that research outcomes are relevant and applicable. The following topics were addressed in moderated panel discussions, led by Dr. Mina Sedrak: integration of geriatric assessment measures into therapeutic clinical trials, pragmatic/decentralized trials, and digital health and its role in advancing decentralized trials. Invited panelists discussed each topic with a particular focus on lessons learned, best practices, and opportunities for design of inclusive therapeutic trials enrolling representative older adults that address aging related issues.

The collaborative spirit continued on October 19, with the Rising Tide Symposium: GOTO for Patient-centered Research Portfolio – RTFCCR Program and CARG Global Collaboration. Co-led by Dr. William Dale and Alex Alencar, the symposium presented various initiatives sponsored by the Rising Tide Foundation as part of their new focus area of geriatric oncology treatment optimization, and highlighted how the funded projects are prioritizing patient partnerships, improved resource use, and targeting of underserved populations. This event provided a platform for sharing cutting-edge research, fostering dialogue among experts, and promoting equitable cancer care for older adults. Attendees left with valuable insights and a renewed commitment to enhancing care delivery in this vital area of healthcare. Leading experts in the field of geriatric oncology presented their latest findings, emphasizing the importance of tailored care approaches for older cancer patients.

• “Geriatric Oncology Care in Brazil: A Remote Geriatric Assessment with Supportive Care Intervention (Brazil GAIN-S)” presented by Dr. Cristiane Bergerot.
• “Incorporating patient voices and patient-reported outcomes into the next generation of geriatric oncology trials: lessons from the TOPCOP3 trial” presented by Dr. Shabbir Alibhai.
• “Tailored Intervention Strategies for Older Adults with Cancer in Low Resource Communities” presented by Dr. Tanyanika Phillips.
• “Geriatric Assessment and Management of Older Adults with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) receiving Chemotherapy/Radiation (GAM-CRT): Trial in Progress” presented by Dr. Carolyn Presley.
• “A Model of Patient Engagement in Clinical Research: Stakeholders for Care in Oncology and Research for Our Elders (SCOREboard)” presented by Ms. Beverly Canin.

Moderated panel discussions were led by Dr. Harvey Cohen.

The presence of our dedicated patient advocates from the CARinG SCOREboard made a significant impact on the conference, as they shared personal stories and feedback that resonated with both attendees and speakers. These advocates play a crucial role in ensuring that the voices of patients are heard in the development of policies and research priorities, emphasizing the importance of patient-centered care. A special thanks to our SCOREboard members for holding down our first CARG Booth. Conference attendees had the opportunity to meet our amazing SCOREboard members and take home some fantastic CARG merch, such as tote bags, pens, and bookmarks.

Additionally, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the award recipients at the SIOG 2024 Annual Conference! We are proud to have such dedicated individuals, and their outstanding contributions to the field of geriatric oncology, within our community! To see the list of recipients by year, click here.

Congratulations to Melissa Loh, MD, on being an award recipient for the 2024 AGS Outstanding Junior Investigator of the Year Award recipient. The Outstanding Junior Investigator of the Year Award is targeted to junior investigators (Assistant Professor/Instructor or equivalent) who are in the career development stages of their research work, with a faculty appointment of at least three but no more than seven years and a demonstrated focus on aging/geriatrics research.

Congratulations to Enrique Soto Pérez de Celis, MD, PhD, on being an award recipient for the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) Paul Calabresi Award . The Paul Calabresi Award is SIOG’s highly prestigious prize, recognizing exceptional achievement of a SIOG member as a pioneer in clinical research, academia and public engagement in the field of geriatric oncology.

Congratulations to Sheetal Hardikar, MPH, PhD, MBBS, on being an award recipient for the 2024 International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) Young Investigator Award. The YOUNG SIOG Investigator Award recognizes SIOG members in the early years of their career with an original research publication demonstrating scientific excellence in geriatric oncology.

Congratulations to Jessica Krok-Schoen, PhD, MA, on being an award recipient for the 2024 International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) BJ Kennedy Best Poster Award. The BJ Kennedy Best Poster Award recognizes outstanding poster presentation by an investigator who has exposed their most recent research findings to the scrutiny of a panel of renowned experts at the SIOG Annual Conference.

As we reflect on the success of our collaboration with SIOG, we look forward to continued partnerships that align with our mission of promoting equity and advancing care for older adults facing cancer. The collaboration between CARG and SIOG was a pivotal moment for advancing research and care for older adults with cancer. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all CARG members for their unwavering support and commitment to this vital work. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.

Stay tuned for more updates on future initiatives and collaborations as we strive to enhance the quality of care for older adults affected by cancer. We hope to see you in Ghent, Belgium for the SIOG 2025 Annual Conference!