During March, 2020, Research Advocacy Network found ourselves, along with you, in a confusing, scary and often overwhelming world with the coronavirus pandemic. As the situation rapidly changed, we became increasingly more concerned about cancer patients and what was happening during this time for these patients and cancer research. Not only did plans for the scientific meetings where results of research advances get cancelled or postponed, cancer treatment strategies and clinical trial plans had to be adjusted.

Background
Beginning March 27, 2020 we are holding weekly discussion series that is intended to be informative and informal to keep cancer research advocates connected and provide an outlet for sharing. During the first few weeks we began to explore the topic of Cancer Clinical Trials during the Covid-19 Pandemic. For 30 minutes on most Fridays, we meet virtually to discuss issues and experiences being faced by cancer clinical trial participants and what is being done to address these issues. In April we have had clinical trial expert, Julie Gralow, MD answer questions for the group on clinical trials and Patricia Hurley, MS talk about the resources offered by NCI during the pandemic.