Tuesday, May 6, 2025
5/6/2025
Health Opportunities & Promoters of Equitable Screening for Lung Cancer (Hopes for Lung Cancer) - PROJECT SUMMARY Candidate: This resubmission for the NCI K08 Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award to Promote Diversity describes Efrén J. Flores, MD as a candidate who is well- positioned to successfully complete the proposed training objectives and research aims. Dr. Flores’ background as a Hispanic physician and clinical researcher has focused on achieving equity in lung cancer outcomes through early detection by developing novel interventions to increase LCS uptake among Hispanic and othervulnerable populations. Background: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-specific mortality in theUS, and Hispanics experience worse lung cancer outcomes and die at higher rates due to advanced stage at presentation. Lung cancer screening (LCS) can save many lives through early lung cancer detection among Hispanic current and former smokers. Still, without increasing efforts to improve smoking status disclosure and documentation and tailored interventions to promote LCS uptake among Hispanic current and former smokers, this underserved population will continue to demonstrate disparities in lung cancer survival. Study aims: Based on prior research experience, Dr. Flores has adapted the NIMHD research framework by incorporating elements from Ford’s evidence-based theoretical model to guide the following proposed study aims: 1) To elucidate barriers and facilitators to consistent identification and documentation of smoking status to promote LCS uptake among Hispanic current and former smokers; 2) To assess feasibility, acceptability, and reach of the digital delivery of an educational video to promote LCS uptake among Hispanic current and former smokers; 3) To explore the effect of the digital delivery of the educational video to increase interest, intent, and scheduling of LCS uptake among Hispanic current and former smokers. Training: The career development plan will allow Dr. Flores to develop expertise in tailoring LCS interventions among Hispanic communities by completing training objectives in three areas: 1) mixed methods to inform health interventions; 2) community-based participatory research to guide outreach interventions; 3) digital interventions tailored to promote LCS uptake among Hispanic communities. Advanced coursework, a resource-rich institutional environment, and the proposed research study will support these training objectives. Mentorship: A team of expert mentors, including Dr. Elyse R. Park (primary mentor),Dr. Ruth C. Carlos (co-mentor), and Dr. Kelly E Irwin (co-mentor), and scientific advisors including Dr. Jennifer Haas, Dr. Nancy Rigotti, Dr. Giselle Perez, Dr. Jo-Anne Shepard, Dr. Joseph Betancourt, and Dr. Nathaniel Mercaldo will guide Dr. Flores’ training and research efforts for the duration of the award. Impact: The successfulcompletion of this proposed K08 award will provide Dr. Flores with the rigorous training and research expertise that will provide high-quality data to inform an NCI R01. It will also serve as a foundation for him to become a leading independent investigator developing novel interventions to overcome disparities and advance equity in lung cancer outcomes among Hispanics and other vulnerable populations.
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