Wendy Schumacher, oncology research nurse for Marshfield Clinic Research Institute Cancer Care and Research Center, presented virtually at The Cancer Moonshot Biobank Participant and Provider Engagement Workshop on May 3.

The Cancer Moonshot was launched in 2016 to accelerate scientific discovery in cancer research, foster greater collaboration and improve the sharing of cancer data. The Cancer Moonshot Biobank is a longitudinal biospecimen collection study that engages patients and medical institutions across the U.S. in the donation of biospecimens (tumor tissue and blood) and medical data over the course of cancer treatment. The biospecimens and data will be used in research to better understand and improve cancer treatments.

The purpose of this workshop was to assess study progress and opportunities in engagement. Schumacher represented WiNCORP, a National Cancer Institute-sponsored Wisconsin cancer clinical trial network of which Marshfield Clinic Health System belongs. She is the lead nurse for the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute Cancer Moonshot Biobank Project Engagement Team.

The Health System has enrolled a total of 43 patients in the Cancer Moonshot Biobank project, 36 of whom are currently active. Of those 36 active patients, 21 are under the care of Adedayo Onitilo, M.D., Ph.D.

“Oncology research trials have always been a key aspect of cancer care at Marshfield Clinic Health System, especially in its rural communities," Schumacher said. “The team continues to work on community engagement opportunities knowing that this engagement in research promotes collaboration, innovation, and excellence in cancer research while increasing patient awareness to oncology research opportunities and therefore increasing patient enrollments."

Schumacher partners with Alicia Rowland, the lead research coordinator, and Dr. Onitilo the principal investigator of the study. He also serves as the director of the Cancer Care and Research Center, WiNCORP principal investigator, and director of the Oncology/Hematology/Radiation Oncology/Palliative Medicine service line. Rowland oversees enrolling, data entry, patient tracking and preparation of study kits. Schumacher oversees patient screening and consenting, and assists with enrolling.