At the MCW Cancer Center, patients facing the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis don’t have to navigate the journey alone. Through the Patient Navigation Program, people across our communities are receiving guidance and gaining access to clinical trials that could significantly improve their outcomes. For many, these opportunities would be out of reach without support, especially when facing transportation issues, financial strain, or the complexity of cancer care.
The program is designed to provide that support. It helps patients understand their options, overcome logistical challenges, and stay connected to potentially lifesaving cancer treatments. Leading this effort is Adrena Luckett, the Cancer Center’s first patient navigator. She works side by side with patients to remove barriers and ensure they have a clear path to the care they need.
“This work is so close to my heart. I do everything I can to help people find their voice and feel confident in their care. What matters most to me is seeing someone smile—not just because they feel better, but because they understand what’s helping and how to take care of themselves moving forward,” said Luckett.
Clinical trials are a cornerstone of advancing cancer care, providing a critical way to test new therapies and approaches that may improve both survival and quality of life. Some focus on prevention, early detection, or more effective treatment, while others offer access to promising therapies not yet available through standard care.
Despite their importance, enrollment in clinical trials remains uneven, particularly among underrepresented and rural populations. Callisia Clarke, MD, MS, FACS, FSSO, Assistant Director of Clinical Research for Clinical Trial Access, explained that broader inclusion in research helps scientists understand how treatments perform across different patient groups—an essential step in improving outcomes and ensuring new therapies meet the needs of all patients.
“Expanding clinical trial access is important for achieving optimal cancer outcomes, yet significant barriers remain for some patients to participate. Navigation programs uniquely address this challenge by providing personalized guidance that bridges cultural, educational, and logistical gaps—offering a human connection and practical support that traditional recruitment methods don’t offer,” said Dr. Clarke.
'Having Someone in Your Corner Can Change Everything'
Mary Nash, a survivor of both ovarian and breast cancer, turned to Luckett at a pivotal moment in her care. After completing treatment for early-stage breast cancer, Nash was offered the chance to enroll in CAMBRIA-1, a study for patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. The trial showed promise, but the details were overwhelming. Nash needed help making sense of the information and understanding what joining the trial would mean for her. That’s when Luckett stepped in, guiding her through each step and helping her feel confident in her decision.
Nash recalls many moments of support, including one particularly urgent day. When a power outage at her apartment threatened to spoil a critical medication that needed refrigeration, Luckett made a call and had the power restored within minutes.
“Having someone in your corner can change everything,” said Nash. “Adrena listens without judgment. She does her job, and she does it well.”
CAMBRIA-1 opened at the Cancer Center in 2023 and is led by Lubna Chaudhary, MD, Associate Professor of Hematology and Oncology. The phase 3 study evaluates whether camizestrant, a next-generation oral therapy, can help prevent breast cancer from returning in patients who have already completed surgery, radiation, and endocrine therapy but remain at risk for recurrence. If proven effective, camizestrant could become a new standard of care, giving patients like Nash a better chance at long-term survival and greater peace of mind after treatment.
“Mary’s participation in this clinical trial gave her an opportunity to receive a novel treatment for breast cancer that may help reduce her chance of recurrence. The patient navigator played a key role in her care journey, providing the support, understanding, and confidence Mary needed to enroll to the trial,” said Dr. Chaudhary.
Through strong partnerships among patients, navigators, and clinicians, the MCW Cancer Center is making it possible for more people to access the latest advances in cancer care. By building trust, removing obstacles, and supporting patients every step of the way, the Patient Navigation Program is ensuring that more people can move forward with clarity, confidence, and a greater sense of control over their care.
Learn more about how the MCW Cancer Center is advancing clinical research.