In a major effort to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and increase participation in critical medical research, the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center has announced a new partnership with the Cancer Hope Network in Chester.
The collaboration marks the launch of Peer Access to Trials, Hope and Support (PATHS), a peer-to-peer mentorship program designed to help patients and caregivers navigate the complexities of cancer treatment, survivorship, and clinical trials.
The PATHS program will connect patients and families with trained volunteers who have personally faced cancer, either as survivors or caregivers. By leveraging Cancer Hope Network’s proven mentorship framework and expanding its “Talking About Clinical Trials” (TACT) model, the initiative aims to provide vital social and emotional support during a highly stressful time.
A primary objective of the PATHS initiative is to demystify clinical trials, which are essential research studies required to evaluate and approve all new cancer treatments in the United States. Despite their importance, patients often hesitate to enroll due to misconceptions or anxiety.
“Clinical trials are critical to advancing cancer care, but too often patients feel unsure or hesitant about participating,” Dr. Karyn Goodman, associate director of Network Clinical Research at the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center said. “Peer support can play a powerful role in bridging that gap, giving patients the confidence, perspective, and information they need to make informed decisions about their treatment options.”
At the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center, patients have access to an extensive array of clinical trials. These range from early-phase safety and dosing studies to large-scale trials comparing new treatments against current standard care options. The PATHS program will specifically support individuals considering trials across various oncology areas, including breast, colon, lung, and pancreatic cancers.
Medical distrust, fear, misinformation, and lack of access frequently act as barriers to clinical trial enrollment. PATHS aims to confront these disparities directly.
“This program addresses health disparities and access, helping break down those barriers by providing a trusted space where patients can speak with someone who has been through the process themselves,” Melissa Mazor, co-associate director of community outreach and engagement at the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center said.
By utilizing mentors who have experienced clinical trials firsthand, the program aims to make advanced research feel significantly more accessible to a broader, more diverse patient population.
Through this collaboration, Mount Sinai patients and volunteers will undergo Cancer Hope Network’s comprehensive training program to become official peer mentors. This inaugural cohort of mentors will join a robust national network of volunteers dedicated to offering compassionate, experience-based guidance.
“This collaboration ensures that more individuals, including those considering or participating in clinical trials, are connected to someone who truly understands what they’re going through, strengthening the care experience in a deeply human way,” Beth Blakey, CEO of Cancer Hope Network said.
Alison Snow, senior director of Oncology Social Work and Cancer Supportive Services at Mount Sinai Health System, reiterated that the partnership underscores a holistic commitment to patient health. “By addressing the concerns patients have about clinical trials, we are helping to ensure more individuals can benefit from the latest advances in cancer treatment.”
