Lessons From the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic at the National Cancer Institute: Cancer Research and Care

The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic has worldwide implications on health care, especially in our most vulnerable population: cancer patients. Flexibility and adaptation are needed to continue clinical research and for clinical trial development. At the Intramural Research Program, National Cancer Institute, swift changes have been implemented to protect our patients while maintaining the scientific integrity of our cancer clinical trials. Many lessons have been learned including incorporation of telehealth into clinical trials, partnerships with the oncology community at both academic institutions and community practices, focusing on diversity and inclusion to improve scientific innovation, and strengthened relationships with regulatory agencies and institutional review boards. These changes will enhance the clinical trials we conduct well beyond the pandemic.