Abstract P5-07-13: Conceptual model of transdisciplinary science - Advocacy collaboration for the physical sciences and oncology: A case study focusing on breast density, biomarker discovery, and emerging therapeutics
Authors: Samson S , Northey JJ , Baas C , Weaver VM 
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: What happens when you mix the foundations of tissue mechanics with advocacy? In a shared quest for exciting scientific frontiers, Bay Area physical scientists, clinical researchers, and advocates work in dynamic symbiotic relationships to integrate concepts drawn from their respective fields. Focusing on the mechanobiology of tumor progression in breast cancer, researchers and advocates are co-creating system change interventions for revamping convergent research processes.

METHODS:As vital catalysts of transdisciplinary innovation, advocates affiliated with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Physical Sciences and Oncology Network (PS-ON) applied core principles that synergize with the evolving disciplines of Implementation Science (IS) and the Science of Team Science (STS). Diverse methodologies to describe the intersections of physical sciences, breast density, biomarker discovery, emerging therapeutics and advocacy are presented. Additionally, we introduce a theoretical framework and conceptual puzzle illustrating multimethod science advocacy engagement strategies, a typology of contextual factors influencing collaboration, as well as the antecedents, processes, strategic priorities, and overall potential impacts of collaborative transdisciplinary science advocacy exchanges.

RESULTS:Through proactive participation in four areas: 1) research and programmatic support, 2) education and outreach, 3) policy and strategy, and 4) representation and advisory, advocates, representing patient/consumer perspectives, worked toward a common set of goals with researchers and clinicians in determining how tumor microenvironments regulate cancer initiation and behavior through interactions among cell types (e.g., initiated cells, activated stromal cells, and components of the extracellular matrix). Applying NCI Office of Advocacy Relations (OAR) and NCI PS-ON Advocacy Working Group goals for strategic innovation, collaborative execution, and ethical codes of conduct, researchers and advocates codeveloped guiding conceptual frameworks based on organizational foundations, systems readiness, leadership commitment to change, and transdisciplinary levers to promote shared governance, bidirectional collaboration, advocacy inclusion, and the prioritization of research addressing questions of importance to patients.

DISCUSSION: Embedding advocate patient/consumer evidentiary and experiential insights/perspectives regarding mechanics-directed research priorities and clinical interventions in the early phase of convergent research efforts contributes to our understanding of the important role of the physical organization in cell-to-cell contacts, tissue architecture, tumor microenviroments, and mechanical properties in response to therapy. Notably, catalyzing and leveraging advocate engagement across the research continuum provides novel opportunities for advancing institutional changes, spurring unique training/mentoring exchanges, and fostering innovative research and translational opportunities.

Citation Format: Samson S, Northey JJ, Baas C, Weaver VM. Conceptual model of transdisciplinary science - Advocacy collaboration for the physical sciences and oncology: A case study focusing on breast density, biomarker discovery, and emerging therapeutics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-07-13.