Evolution of the imCORE Network during and post the COVID-19 pandemic: shifting priorities in oncology clinical trials.

Background: The immunotherapy Centers of Research Excellence (imCORE) Network is a worldwide research network. Pre-coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Network established itself as a partnership model leader with several years of experience. COVID-19 directly impacted clinical research conduct, imCORE sites, patients, and how the network operates.

Methods: The sponsor created a survey assessing operational priorities of Network sites pre-COVID-19, immediately post-COVID-19, and present day. The survey asked each site to prioritize 14 operational aspects of clinical research at the three separate timepoints allowing for data comparison between the timepoints.

Results: This paper highlights the impacts of COVID-19 to the operational priorities of imCORE sites. This includes specific measures taken to evolve to fit the needs of its sites and their patients, and presents a path forward for site networks to consider in the new reality of COVID-19 era clinical trials.

Conclusions: Site networks positively impacted site knowledge and experience through the pandemic and beyond. Sponsors must recognize each site as a unique entity with their own priorities and focus while understanding a commonality of priorities within regions and among research sites globally. We recommend the creation of site networks to further strengthen the sponsor-site relationship.