Patient Recruitment Case Study: Melanoma and NSCLC

A phase 2 clinical trial evaluating a combination therapy for melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer

THE CLINICAL TRIAL
SGNS40-002 was a phase 2, open-label, multicenter trial designed to assess the anti-tumor activity, safety, and tolerability of SEA-CD40 in combination with pembrolizumab and/or chemotherapy in adults (≥18 years) with NSCLC or melanoma. Five indication-specific cohorts explored two different regimens: cohorts 1–3 received SEA-CD40 with pembrolizumab while cohorts 4 and 5 received SEA-CD40, pembrolizumab, carboplatin, and pemetrexed.

THE PROJECT
SGNS40-002’s clinical team needed assistance with patient recruitment and retention for their clinical trial that included seven countries and ten languages. To achieve this, the team collaborated with Stark / Raving Health to create a suite of patient and site-facing materials that promoted study enrollment and facilitated study participation for two cohorts.

Non-small cell lung cancer clinical study patient recruitment branding services

Developing a strong brand identity for a competitive therapeutic area.

Clinical trials in oncology are highly competitive, requiring a strong brand presence to differentiate from other studies. To achieve this, our creative team utilized the Sponsor’s brand guidelines for the compound and developed a unique study logo that effectively conveyed the study opportunity and established credibility and trust. By integrating patient-friendly language with a dynamic and forward-thinking design, we engaged potential study participants and encourage enrollment with a suite of study materials.

Non-small cell lung cancer clinical study patient recruitment content and branding services

A study toolkit that equally supports patients, caregivers, and site staff.

Enabling patients to make informed decisions is just as crucial as equipping site staff with the necessary study materials to educate patients about the study opportunity. To achieve this for the clinical trial, our creative team crafted a variety of educational and instructional tools that targeted both patients and site staff. These tools served to keep the trial at the forefront of their minds and ensure adherence to the protocol’s requirements.

Non-small cell lung cancer clinical study patient recruitment paid social services

Enhancing patient recruitment with site-based promotional tools.

Our social media team created a set of IRB-approved study advertisements to help the study sites enhance their database of potential study participants. These advertisements were designed to increase site-based patient recruitment efforts. In addition, we developed promotional content tailored specifically to advocacy groups and referring physicians designed to expand the site’s reach and network of potential participants.

Fast-tracking translations, printing, and distributions to meet tight study timelines.

Our translation, printing, and distribution process is tailored to the specific requirements of clinical research. We have optimized our methods to ensure that all study materials are prepared and ready for production immediately after receiving IRB or EC approvals. This streamlined approach facilitates the swift deployment of study toolkits.

Non-small cell lung cancer clinical study patient recruitment marketing timeline organization

Non-small cell lung cancer clinical study patient recruitment translation and production services

Expanding the campaign to seven countries and ten languages.

This clinical trial had a global presence in seven countries and involved 10 languages. To expand the patient-facing campaign into five European countries and Canada, we collaborated with our team of professional in-country translators. In addition to translating and formatting the study materials, our design team ensured that all imagery was culturally appropriate for each participating country.

On-demand printing and distribution that aligned with EC approvals.

Due to rolling Ethics Committee approvals and staggered country and site activations, we had to adopt an agile approach to print and distribute study materials for patients and sites. To meet the demand, our team utilized on-demand printing in the United States and Europe. Within an average of 10 business days after receiving EC approvals, study sites received their materials.