AACI Commentary

Exploring Topics of Interest to AACI Cancer Centers

To promote the work of its member centers, AACI publishes Commentary, an editorial series focusing on major issues of common interest to North American cancer centers. 

Each AACI Commentary is written by a cancer center leader and distributed by email to the more than 2,200 readers of the AACI Update newsletter. 

The publication is designed to cover a specific topic in 750-1,000 words. Recommendations for topics and authors are encouraged. 

Please submit suggestions to: 

Chris Zurawsky
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
412-802-6775

Emily Stimmel
Communications and External Relations Coordinator
412-647-0504

Simplifying Clinical Trials
Using Technology to Improve Operations 

By the AACI Shared Investigator Platform (SIP) Task Force

The complexities and inefficiencies of clinical trial operations can overwhelm even the most successful academic medical center. Reducing the time it takes to initiate a trial; facilitating relationships between industry and investigators; and streamlining information exchange, document flow, and data access are just some of the persistent challenges facing clinical trials offices.

The Shared Investigator Platform (SIP)—a concept developed by TransCelerate Biopharma Inc., and now managed by Cognizant—aims to make clinical trials management more efficient for trial sites and sponsors. The SIP is a single information technology solution that facilitates investigative site collaboration with multiple clinical trial sponsors. Such a system can reduce redundant requests for information to qualify investigators and trial sites when participating in industry-sponsored trials.  

AACI convened a SIP Task Force to identify and address challenges encountered in SIP implementation. Task force members were selected through recommendations from AACI’s Clinical Research Innovation (CRI) Steering Committee. 

Through meetings with industry champions, the task force is working to develop realistic expectations for implementing the platform. The AACI SIP Task Force welcomes feedback on future discussion topics and goals. 

Read the August 2019 Commentary.
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