How DCT Diagnostic Studies Are the Gateway to Greater Patient Trial Participation

Andrew Ciupek, PhD, is Associate Director of Clinical Research at GO2 for Lung Cancer. Originally a translational cancer researcher, Andrew transitioned to patient-advocacy to have increased impact on driving patient-centered research.At GO2, Andrew leads implementation of patient-centric research both with external collaborators and within GO2’s Care Continuum Centers of Excellence (CCCOE), a network of community and academic clinical centers focused on lung cancer early detection and treatment. He also serves as a navigator for the GO2’s treatment and clinical trial navigation program, called LungMATCH, directly working with lung cancer patients and their caregivers to help them understand and access appropriate care options, empowering them to take an informed, active role in medical decisions.

Since 2017, Terri Conneran has been battling stage III lung cancer. Eventually, the biomarker that was causing her non-small cell adenocarcinoma was identified as a KRAS biomarker. Unable to find a support group with others on a similar journey, she founded KRAS Kickers  2019 to create a network for patients and families in search of KRAS Knowledge Research & Advocacy for Survivorship. Within KRAS Kickers, members engage with leading doctors, researchers, and advocates, learn about new developments and clinical trials, connect to resources, build community, and share their stories to give hope to each other with a common goal to kick cancer’s KRAS!

Richard is a 30 year veteran in global clinical development operations. His career largely began with the emergence of the revolutionary biotechnology sector. As an early AMGEN-ite, he acquired a wealth of experience that created opportunities to subsequently assist several new biotech start-ups in their endeavors to cross into the clinical trial research space. He has since held leadership positions in biotech, pharma, CRO, and non-profit organizations worldwide. In more recent years, Richard also headed the clinical development efforts that have led to regulatory market approvals in both rare disease and infectious disease indications, and continues to provide strategic guidance to small emerging companies in these arenas. As a day job, Richard serves as Executive Director at the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute – where he is responsible for all aspects of the organizations’ business and scientific mission.