Abstract 4185: Establishing sustainable research collaborations in the Caribbean through the utilization of multiple technology platforms
Authors: Elizabeth Blackman, Kimlin Tam Ashing, Camille Ragin, Marshall Tulloch-Reid, J. Robert Beck, Althea Bailey, Ian Hambilton, Natalie Guthrie-Dixon, Georgia Williamson, Andrea Forman, Robin Roberts
Journal: Cancer Research (2019)

Abstract Introduction: International research collaborations are a critical strategy in tackling immigrant and global prevention and control challenges. Available communications and data technology facilitates collaborations to address global cancer inequities. The purpose of the African Caribbean Cancer Consortium (AC3) is to develop and sustain partnerships to investigate and respond to the increasing cancer vulnerability among African descended peoples worldwide. In the Caribbean, cancer incidence and mortality are rising in persons of African ancestry. We will present preliminary outcomes from our NCI-P20 award. Methods: Our goal is to establish a Caribbean Regional Center of Research Excellence (CRCRE). The project started in Jamaica in partnership with the University of the West Indies-Mona. The CRCRE is building a sustainable research center at the Mona campus that will spread to other campuses throughout the University system. Using ZOOM, WhatsApp, YouTube, GoogleDocs, and REDCap, we will develop a sustainable research infrastructure in the Caribbean. Results: Regional Needs Assessment- Using REDCap, we were able to conduct a research needs assessment across the Caribbean. A survey was developed by the research team and administered within the Mona campus and Caribbean-wide through the AC3 member listserv. We had over 150 respondents representing key stakeholders who identified top priorities to develop sustainable research in the region. The REDCap database for the CRCRE will also house training webinars readily available for users. Mentor-Mentee Program was implemented to match junior faculty in the Caribbean to senior faculty within the AC3 network. Among Caribbean researchers, we are building capacity for basic, translational, clinical and behavioral research. Mentors and mentees will utilize ZOOM, e-mail, Googledocs, WhatsApp and YouTube to facilitate training, mentoring and study processes. Genetic Counseling Training was conducted between genetic counselors at Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC) and 3 Caribbean nurses based at Princess Margaret Hospital, Nassau, Bahamas. Nurses received virtual training via NCCN and ZOOM lectures. Nurses then shadowed FCCC genetic counselors. They will utilize ZOOM, WhatsApp and YouTube to facilitate ongoing training, mentoring, and supervision. Discussion: Using communication and data technologies are effective and cost effective platforms for developing and sustaining international cancer prevention and control research in low and middle-income countries including the Caribbean. Caribbeans account for 10% of all immigrants and 50% of all immigrant Blacks. Therefore, attending to and addressing cancer biologic, genetic, environmental and behavioral risk and disparate outcomes among Caribbeans will benefit the Region as well as inform strategies to reduce cancer disparities within U.S. Black population. Citation Format: Elizabeth Blackman, Kimlin Tam Ashing, Camille Ragin, Marshall Tulloch-Reid, J. Robert Beck, Althea Bailey, Ian Hambilton, Natalie Guthrie-Dixon, Georgia Williamson, Andrea Forman, Robin Roberts. Establishing sustainable research collaborations in the Caribbean through the utilization of multiple technology platforms [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4185.