Cancer Cooperative Groups

A Strong Foundation for Progress

The next generation of progress is dependent upon cancer clinical trials – the necessary link to improvements in our ability to prevent, detect and treat cancer. For nearly 50 years, national cancer cooperative groups have been conducting clinical trials through cancer clinical research funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Comprised of physician, nurses, clinical research associates, patient advocates and other health care professionals, the cooperative groups treat more than half of all patients participating in trials in the U.S., and help advancer cancer care for everyone.

The Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups is proud to represent the Cooperative Groups and their membership.

Read below to find out more about the individual Cooperative Groups.

American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN)

ACRIN, established in 1999, is a cooperative group that manages imaging technologies related to cancer. ACRIN facilitates the development and implementation of trials, data acquisition and management, protocol design and biostatistical analysis, monitoring and quality assurance, financial management, and reporting of trial results. ACRIN has no permanent members. However, institutions may qualify to participate in its trials.

American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG)

A clinical research component of the American College of Surgeons, ACOSOG was established in 1998 to evaluate surgical therapy in patients with solid organ malignancies. Its initial trials are focusing on the most common solid tumors, including breast and lung cancer.

Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB)

CALGB was founded in 1955 with a goal of bringing together clinical oncologists and laboratory investigators to develop better treatments for cancer. It has grown into a national network of 29 university medical centers, more than 185 community hospitals, and almost 3000 physicians. CALGB research is focused on seven major disease areas: leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, gastrointestinal malignancies, genitourinary malignancies, and melanoma.

Children’s Oncology Group (COG)

COG was formed in 2001 through the merger of the four major pediatric clinical trials groups: the Children’s Cancer Group (CCG), the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group (IRSG), the National Wilms’ Tumor Study Group (NWTSG), and the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG). These groups agreed to combine their efforts in order to accelerate the search for new cures and the potential prevention of cancer in children and adolescents. COG develops and coordinates pediatric cancer clinical trials conducted at the 238 member institutions, which include cancer centers of all major universities and teaching hospitals throughout the United States and Canada, as well as at sites in Europe and Australia. COG members include over 5000 childhood cancer researchers who adhere to their motto, “Dedicated to discovery, committed to care.”

Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)

ECOG was established in 1955 as one of the first cooperative groups launched to perform multicenter cancer clinical trials. It has evolved into one of the largest clinical cancer research organizations in the United States with almost 6000 physicians, nurses, pharmacists, statisticians, and clinical research associates from the United States, Canada, Peru, and South Africa. ECOG conducts clinical trials involving all types of adult malignancies.

Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG)

Founded in 1970 and funded through the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, GOG is dedicated to clinical research in gynecologic cancer. It consists of more than 50 parent institutions, medical schools, colleges and universities, and more than 132 affiliated hospitals. Active trials address a variety of gynecologic cancers, including cancers that arise from the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva.

National Surgical Adjuvant Breast & Bowel Project (NSABP)

The NSABP, formed in 1958, has been a leading force in the design and conduct of clinical trials. Results from NSABP trials have affected the treatment of breast and colorectal cancer. NSABP trials have altered the surgical management of breast cancer, established the worth of systemic, adjuvant chemotherapy—both pre- and post-operatively—and proven the value of hormonal therapy in treating and preventing breast cancer.

North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG)

The NCCTG is an affiliation of approximately 23 community clinics and affiliates in 18 states and two Canadian provinces. Its research base is at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center in Rochester, Minnesota. Established in 1977, NCCTG’s major scientific programs focus on gastrointestinal, breast, lung, and brain cancers. NCCTG also has an extensive cancer control program, which fosters research in cancer screening, prevention, and symptom control.

Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)

A clinical research component of the American College of Radiology, RTOG was established in 1968 and now includes more than 250 active members. It focuses on the use of radiation therapies in conjunction with chemotherapy, surgery, and other treatments in the range of adult malignancies.

Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG)

The National Cancer Institute established SWOG in 1956. A major goal of SWOG is to enroll more women and minority patients in cancer treatment and control research trials. In the 1950s, most institutions in SWOG were located in the Southwestern part of the United States. Today, SWOG has institutions throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and in provinces of Canada.