Abstract 4026: The Bench with Bedside Initiative™: an unconventional collaborative approach between scientists and research participants
Authors: Audrey Saghian, Alex J. Kalfa, Robel Dagnew, Navid Golshan, Raed Jaffal, Dayanara Ruiz, Mary K. Falcone, Caryn Lerman, Bodour Salhia
Journal: Cancer Research (2025)

Abstract Translational research (TR) relies on human specimens, yet traditional models often fail to engage diverse populations with ambiguity between researchers and research participants (RPs). This disconnect can hinder trust, diminish inclusivity, and reduce generalizability. To address this, we developed The Bench with Bedside Initiative (TBBI), a trans-relational model of TR that integrates scientists at the bench with RPs at the bedside. TBBI fosters bidirectional communication, enabling researchers to understand invaluable RP perspectives while enhancing RP understanding of research to offer empowerment and inclusion. TBBI uses social media to expand regional recruitment, connect with underrepresented populations, promote researcher-RP rapport, and disseminate findings. TBBI also employs culturally tailored community engagement through webinars and in-person events to foster trust and participation among historically marginalized groups. We are currently using TBBI to recruit 1000 diverse RPs to validate a novel test for detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) in breast cancer survivors at the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCCC). RPs complete measures on social determinants of health, provide blood samples, and permit collection of clinical data. TBBI has attracted 2,723 entries via web-based eligibility surveys, primarily through social media advertising and email outreach. Of these, 63% met eligibility, and 1,357 RPs advanced to secondary screening. To date, 554 RPs have consented using TBBI. Concurrently, 135 RPs were recruited from the NCCC and Los Angeles General Medical Center clinics, representing 20% of recruitment. RP demographics include 66.3% White, 16.5% Hispanic, 6.7% Asian, 4.6% Black, 4.5% Multiracial, 0.4% Native Hawaiian, 0.4% American Indian or Alaskan Native, and 0.4% declined to disclose. Given NCCC catchment, 53.8% of RPs recruited in clinic identified as Hispanic and 21.9% identified as Asian. TBBI is transforming RP recruitment and the researcher-RP relationship by promoting transparency and collaboration to connect laboratory science and patient care. While long-term outcomes are being evaluated, TBBI demonstrates that trans-relational approaches to TR can diversify participant pools, improve recruitment efficiency, and foster sustained researcher-RP collaboration. By leveraging social media and community engagement, TBBI is paving the way for an inclusive and impactful future in translational science. Citation Format: Audrey Saghian, Alex J. Kalfa, Robel Dagnew, Navid Golshan, Raed Jaffal, Dayanara Ruiz, Mary K. Falcone, Caryn Lerman, Bodour Salhia. The Bench with Bedside Initiative™: an unconventional collaborative approach between scientists and research participants [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 4026.