(Q1) Who is eligible to join the CICRS Program?
(Q2) What happens once an application is received?
(Q3) When are the applications reviewed?
(Q4) How long does the entire application process take?
(Q5) What are some factors that might delay the application process?
(Q6) Who else besides the CTSU reviews the applications?
(Q1)Who is eligible to join the CICRS Program?
(A1) Qualified medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists and hematologists within the USA who ARE NOT Cooperative Group members are able to apply to participate in the CTSU Independent Clinical Research Site (CICRS) Initiative. The CICRS program is open to physicians throughout the United States who treat patients with cancer. If you are a member of a Cooperative Group, then you ARE NOT ELIGIBLE to participate in the CICRS program.
(Q2) What happens once an application is received?
(A2) The CICRS Administrator will review the application to ensure that it is complete. Once all application materials have been received, CTSU staff will schedule a teleconference with the site. Once the teleconference is completed, the CICRS Review Committee will review the
final CICRS application packet.
(Q3) When are the applications reviewed?
(A3) Applications are reviewed monthly by the CICRS Review Committee (usually the 4th Tuesday
of the month). Complete applications will be reviewed first.
(Q4) How long does the entire application process take?
(A4) The application process, from the initial review of the application packet by the CICRS
Review Committee to the final execution of the signed contract, may take anywhere from 6
weeks to 3 months.
(Q5) What are some factors that might delay the application process?
(A5) Application delays can occur for several reasons:
1) The CICRS Review Committee may request additional information/further written information/explanations following initial review. Generally, after the site's response, the application will be re-reviewed at the next month's meeting.
2) A site evaluation visit may be required. Following the site visit, the CRA will submit a written report to the CICRS Review Committee and the application will be reviewed at the next meeting.
3) The main limiting factor in the application process is getting the contract signed at the site. Usually, the contract must be submitted to a site’s legal department for review. This can be a lengthy process for some sites. This step can take anywhere from a few days to several months. The CTSU can not assist in speeding this process. In an effort
to keep the process as efficient as possible, a contract is sent to the site once they have received approval from the CICRS Review Committee. So, while awaiting final review by the Outside Review Panel, the contract can concurrently be evaluated by the legal department at the site.
(Q6) Who else besides the CTSU reviews the applications?
(A6) Please note that all applications must receive final review from the Outside Review Panel in order to be accepted as a CICRS site. The Outside Review Panel usually takes 10 days to provide a decision. However, the length of time can vary depending on questions about the site and its preparedness to conduct trials.
