MATCHMAKERS Cancer Grand Challenge Team: Partnership and purpose to maximize patient research advocate involvement in collaborative preclinical research

Objectives Patient research advocate (PRA) involvement in clinical trials has increased, yet involvement in pre-clinical research remains limited because pathways for incorporating patient perspectives are not always clear. MATCHMAKERS seeks to build models for effective PRA participation in pre-clinical science. Background Cancer Grand Challenges (CGC), founded by NCI and CRUK, supports global interdisciplinary teams advancing cancer research and requires patient advocate involvement to ensure real-world impact. Launched in 2024, CGC Team MATCHMAKERS includes researchers from 10 institutions across six countries working to crack the code of how T cells recognize cancer cells using structural biology, high-throughput screening, and artificial intelligence to inform predictive immunotherapy tools. Methods Four PRAs from the USA and Brazil contribute lived cancer experience and advocacy expertise. PRAs attend monthly research meetings, PRA meetings, CGC advocate sessions, and annual CGC and MATCHMAKERS summits. The Lead PI and Program Manager attend PRA meetings and coordinate interactions with trainees and investigators to facilitate bidirectional learning and involvement. Results PRAs have partnered with five trainees from four labs, co-developing shared language, context, and communication tools. PRA involvement has strengthened understanding of MATCHMAKERS research goals, while trainees report appreciation of patient needs and translational relevance. Key activities and trainee reflections are summarized in the Table. Conclusions Early experience demonstrates that structured PRA involvement fosters mutual respect, trust, and more patient-centered scientific thinking. Next steps include expanding PRA-trainees partnerships across institutions and contributing to CGC-wide best-practice development for PRA involvement in pre-clinical research. PRA goals, key outputs, and trainee reflections Category PRA Goals Bring patient perspective into research; support trainee education; share MATCHMAKERS science with patient communities; develop best practices for pre-clinical advocacy Outputs Glossary; lay summaries; lay TCR overview; education module for advocates; lab-visit video series Trainee Reflections “I think more about applicability beyond fundamental research.” “Advocacy input keeps me focused on clinical translation.” “Engagement helps me see the broader purpose and communicate better.”