Background

SWOG initiated a cancer care delivery research study of virus infection rates among newly diagnosed cancer patients. This study will inform viral screening guidelines in oncology clinics.

Methods

In a first step 'vanguard' phase, we evaluated the feasibility of multiple study procedures. Site investigators were surveyed to obtain feedback on study implementation.

Results

Much higher enrollment occurred at sites where all physicians participated and viral testing was performed as routine practice. These procedures will be required going forward. Additional protocol changes based on site investigator input were implemented.

Conclusion

This multistep protocol design process illustrates how cancer care delivery research studies can adapt to real-world strategies and procedures that exist at community clinics where the predominance of cancer patients are treated.