Cancer immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors, has improved outcomes for many types of cancer. However, National Cancer Database studies indicate that patients from low socioeconomic status backgrounds are less likely to be treated with immunotherapy. We partner with other MSK services, external hospitals, universities and community organizations to better understand barriers to accessing this treatment, and to develop and test interventions that will improve access to cancer immunotherapy for those who would benefit from it.
Our Research
The IHCD Service’s Immunotherapy Access Research Program team, led by Devika Jutagir, PhD, is conducting three National Institutes of Health-funded studies:
Redressing Access to and Disparities in Immunotherapy Access (READI)
This study aims to assess barriers to and facilitators of immunotherapy to treat triple-negative breast cancer as reported by healthcare providers.
Integrated Cancer Care Access Network for Breast Cancer Immuno-Oncology (ICCAN-IO)
This study aims to first assess barriers to and facilitators of immunotherapy to treat triple-negative breast cancer as reported by English- and Spanish-speaking patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Second, this study is tailoring MSK’s Integrated Cancer Care Access Network (ICCAN) intervention into Integrated Cancer Care Access Network for Breast Cancer Immuno-Oncology (ICCAN-IO) to provide case management and navigation services to patients treated with immunotherapy.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Integrated Cancer Care Access Network for Breast Cancer Immuno-Oncology (ICCAN-IO RCT)
This study aims to test whether the Integrated Cancer Care Access Network for Breast Cancer Immuno-Oncology (ICCAN-IO) case management and navigation intervention increases uptake of and completion of immunotherapy.
Training and Education Opportunities
The Immunotherapy Access Research Program is committed to education and training in order to make a lasting reduction in health disparities. Internships, mentorship, and other training opportunities are available to trainees including undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, medical students, and other professionals.
Contact Us
For more information about the IHCD Service’s research, contact Bharat Narang at [email protected].