While many of us have been working from home, there has certainly been a lot of work to do in light of the pandemic. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the AGITG – CTC trials portfolio is being reviewed on an ongoing basis as this unprecedented situation evolves. A number of measures have been undertaken in conjunction with the relevant Trial Management or Executive Committees for the eight trials currently open to recruitment or in follow up. Guidance documents have been created and circulated to provide individual trial management support for sites and serve as a guide for trial logistics and procedural adjustments to preserve the safety of participants. The below table summarises trial status at 22 May 2020.
| Trial | Recruitment |
| ALaCaRT | Complete |
| ACTICCA-1 | Suspended |
| ALT GIST | Complete |
| ASCOLT | Continuing |
| CONTROL NETS | Complete |
| INTEGRATE | Continuing |
| MASTERPLAN | Suspended |
| MONARCC | Continuing |
| NABNEC | Continuing |
| SPAR | Continuing |
| TOPGEAR | Continuing |
While the full impact of the current situation is as yet unknown, the implications for recruitment and trial conduct are being reviewed proactively. Further updates to conduct and status of trials are expected in line with anticipated changes in government restrictions and recommendations, with these communicated through the usual trial channels. Your ongoing perseverance and patience is greatly appreciated as we continue to work together to improve outcomes for patients with GI cancers through clinical trials research.
Dr Katrin Sjoquist
CTC Group coordinator for AGITG