Redes En Acción: The National Latino Cancer Research Network
Funded as this NCI Special Populations Network from 2000-05, Redes En Acción was geared to develop a national infrastructure aimed at overcoming the barriers to Hispanic cancer awareness, research and training, much like the current incarnation’s mission today. The program sought to do infrastructure-building with minorities, community groups and health agencies; establish academic and clinical partnerships to support education on clinical trials and research; promote opportunities for minority researchers and students; develop pilot projects; and develop research partnerships to compete for cancer control grants.
Principle Investigators
Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH IHPR, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (at Baylor College of Medicine for this project)Collaborations
Cancer Information Service National Hispanic Medical Association Susan G. Komen for the Cure Latino Council on Alcohol and Tobacco National Institute of General Medicine Sciences National Human Genome Research Institute NCI Specialized Programs of Research Excellence NCI Cancer Genetics Network NCI Special Populations Networks Women’s Health Initiative M. D. Anderson Cancer Center The Cancer Therapy & Research CenterLocation
Redes’ National Network Center was located in San Antonio and Houston, and it had regional sites in San Francisco, San Diego, San Antonio, Chicago, Miami, and BrooklynConclusions
In Year 1, the network teamed with regional partners and determined priorities for research, education and awareness. In Years 2-3, these priority topics were addressed by research, professional and public education and advocacy activities. Mentorship was provided. In Years 4-5, partnerships for public education and scientific training continued, and pilot projects were conducted and proposals for further pilot research were prepared. Evaluation was carried out through network process tracking, assessments of research products, analysis of indicators of career advancement and various studies of education or advocacy outcomes related to priority topics. Specifically, the project featured:
A national and regional infrastructure
Six regional network centers
A database of more than 1,800 partners
Research opportunities for early career Hispanic scientists
54 proposals reviewed through Redes process, 29 pilot projects submitted to NCI, and 16 funded by the NCI, a 55% approval rating
Two major surveys conducted
11 new research projects directly generated as a result of Redes have been funded that explore genetics, breast cancer, clinical trials recruitment, energy balance, and cancer survivorship, totaling almost $2 million in funding
More than $32 million leveraged funding research dollars were generated by the network through more than 80 regional and national and and/or ongoing projects that Redes researchers are leading or participating in through subcontracts and shared resources
Set up training opportunities for early career Hispanic scientists
131 individuals have received training through the network, including: junior faculty, 22 funded and 13 unfunded positions; internships, 27 funded and 27 unfunded; pre/post doctoral, 24 pre- and post-doctoral positions paired with on-going research and awareness activities
Three other extramural training projects have been developed: 14 LCAT community leadership seminars On tobacco and alcohol control, training more than 300 key opinion leaders across the U.S.; Community Cancer Ambassador Program trained 20 4th-year medical students; Science Enrichment Program educated more than 50 students on cancer risk reduction strategies
Communication: 350,000 newsletters have been distributed; Web site is operational; four public service announcements were nationally distributed to more than 700 English and Spanish TV, radio and print channels (two have won Telly Awards of Excellence); 500 community events were conducted; more than 900 professional presentations have been made; published Buena Vida health magazine (several versions); produced Annual National Steering Committee Reports (Y1, 2, 3, 4); and produced Redes En Acción Latino Cancer Report (and Executive Summary)
Develop RO1 level grant proposals
15 Redes pilot investigators have successfully been awarded subsequent grants, including R01, R03, R25, K awards, DOD, CMS, etc., totaling $19 million.
For more information about Redes En Acción, visit www.redesenaccion.org.