Members of the Patient Advocacy Committee (PAC) are personally committed to cancer support, maintain participation in a national advocacy organization, reflect an interest in imaging and cancer research, and demonstrate effective communication and leadership skills.

The goal of advocate involvement in the clinical research system, specifically in the cooperative oncology groups, is to bring the patient perspective to the development and implementation of clinical trials which will answer meaningful scientific questions and to which patients will accrue. Properly implemented, this can lead to the development of trials which will accelerate the accumulation of vital clinical data and provide answers which are sought by both physicians and patients. Despite the potential benefits, the specific role of advocates in trials is largely undefined, creating a challenging environment for both advocates and researchers.

The ACRIN Patient Advocacy Committee has developed Project IMPACT, which provides a structured role for advocates working within ACRIN.

Project IMPACT materials, including the Project IMPACT Statement and Review Form, are available upon request.

Members
Barbara K. LeStage, MHP, Chair
Peggy Devine, CLS, Deputy Chair
Margaret (Peggy) Anthony, RN, MHS, CNOR
Bill Goss
Ashley Fails
Nancy Fredericks, MBA
Paula Kim
Missy Layfield, PT, ATC
Neil Levitan
Pamela K. McAllister, PhD
Elizabeth A. Patterson, MD
Nancy Roach
Nancy Sauers