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/SUMMARYThe use of single cell analysis methods has grown rapidly in the last two decades and has led to rapid discoveries in cell biology and beyond. Single cell analysis requires complex systems like tissues to be dissociated, separating individual cells from extracellular tissue materials. This requires manual processing of tissues and materials through chopping, pipetting, and suspension with enzymes for degradation of the structural elements of the tissue. Manual processing can be time consuming and lead to variability between scientists. Automating this process through motorized dissociation could thus improve reproducibility of research and reduce time of cell manipulation prior to analysis. Here, we have designed a low-cost, customizable automatic tissue dissociator device that can be easily assembled by research groups for individual use. Our device allows for customizable programmed dissociation protocols for ease of use and reproducibility between researchers and can be placed into heat or cold environments based on the protocol need. We have found this device comparable in cell viability and reproducibility to manual dissociation, while significantly reducing time spent and even enhancing cells extracted from more fibrous tissues. Broad dissemination and use of this device could enhance single cell analysis reproducibility and provide a time-saving alternative to the currently used manual dissociation protocols.

e23003 Background: About 35% of ovarian cancer patients in the US have geographic-related disparities in their access to gynecologic oncologists. This disparity becomes more apparent as advances in the treatment of ovarian cancer continues to improve, particularly in regard to maintenance therapy (e.g., PARP inhibitors). Thus, it is critical for gynecologists who are most likely to see these patients over the span of their lives, have an intimate understanding of the management of these patients. Methods: CEC Oncology developed an educational initiative presented at four American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District Meetings, targeting obstetricians, gynecologists, and other health professionals. Education focused on PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer, identification of those eligible for genetic testing and counseling, and strategies to improve patient outcomes. Evaluations were collected from attendees attending the District Meetings to assess impact on practice, increased competency, and intent to make a change in practice. This was objectively assessed by analyzing pre-test, post-test, and follow-up survey data (sent 4-6 weeks post-activity). Chi-square analysis was conducted with a priori significance set at 0.05. Results: A total of 183 clinicians were educated, practicing in academic settings (44%), community hospital settings (24%), private practice (25%), and government (7%). Attendees were asked case questions at baseline, immediately after the activity, and 4-6 weeks after the activity to assess knowledge about the DNA damage response pathway, genetic testing guidelines, and management of therapy toxicities. Knowledge increased from pre- to post-test and from pre-test to follow-up for all topics, with the greatest increase in the management of adverse events (41% increase from pre- to post-test; 50% increase from pre-test to follow-up; P< 0.01). Additionally, there was a 22% and 24% increase in confidence in identifying patients eligible for germline genetic testing and in recognizing toxicities with PARP inhibitors from pre-test to six-week follow-up, respectively. 60% of participants stated that there was a lack of patient education regarding the importance of genetic testing and counseling. At follow-up, 100% stated that they had educated patients on genetic testing and counseling, highlighting the value of educating gynecologists on this topic. Conclusions: Attendees of this educational initiative were eager to take back the knowledge learned to their clinical practices. While there was a measurable increase in knowledge with regard to different ovarian cancer related topics, educational gaps remain. Collectively, this particular audience stated that they care for > 1,000 ovarian cancer patients, elucidating the need for OB/GYNs to feel more comfortable regarding PARP inhibitor toxicities, as they become more prevalent in practice.

e23001 Background: Anemia is an extremely common and robustly deleterious complication experienced by patients with cancer, with impacts ranging from patient-reported quality-of-life metrics, to functional capacity, to morbidity and mortality implications. Cancer-related anemia (CRA) and chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) arise from a complex pathogenesis and are often associated with multifactorial etiology, but iron deficiency (ID) is an especially prominent genesis in these patients and is a preeminent clinical focus for hematology/oncology clinicians, not only because of its frequency, but also because it is directly treatable and reversible. Recent positive data readouts examining intravenous iron as a mechanism to improve anemia outcomes in comorbid oncologic states illustrates a compelling and exigent need to educate the hematology/oncology clinicians managing patients with cancer. These clinicians are optimally positioned to ensure improved CRA/CIA patient outcomes. That was the formative objective of this educational initiative. Methods: We conducted a 180-minute symposium at the 2021 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, with a panel of 5 hematology/oncology experts. The activity was delivered live, in-person in Atlanta, and was also live streamed to a national and international audience on a virtual basis; the session was then provided as an online on-demand offering for those couldn’t attend the live meeting. Clinician knowledge metrics were evaluated from pre-activity to post-activity via audience response software (in-person) and Zoom polling (virtual); all test questions were directly correlated with activity learning objectives. Results: Across all 3 delivery modalities, the educational initiative reached a vast audience of nearly 8,000 learners. Meaningful knowledge advancements were achieved across each of the following clinical topics of emphasis (statistics reflect differential between pre-test and post-test performance): Diagnosis of CRA/CIA using clinical signs, symptoms, and laboratory diagnoses (+17%). Differentiation of functional vs. absolute iron deficiency (+33%). Identifying how elevated hepcidin levels impact iron supplementation strategies (+37%). Knowledge of improved safety profiles of next-generation IV iron products (+75%). Correctly evaluating the benefits of IV iron given a real-world CIA patient case (+33%). Conclusions: Our outcomes illustrate both the relatively low baseline knowledge of hematology/oncology clinicians related to CRA/CIA management and the transformative impact of timely educational programming. Ongoing educational efforts focused on this clinical topic and target audience are warranted.

e23002 Background: There are an estimated >81,000 new cases of metastatic urothelial bladder cancer (mUBC) diagnosed in the U.S each year, resulting in more than 17,000 deaths. mUBC has been shown to be susceptible to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and beyond currently approved first and second line indications, these agents are being studied in bladder-sparing regimens and for high risk NMIBC patients who are BCG-unresponsive. Needs assessments demonstrate educational gaps involved in medication selection, dosing, and immune-related adverse event management as barriers to immunotherapy use by the interprofessional bladder cancer care team. The webcast series, “Key Issues for the Advanced Bladder Cancer Care Clinic: Incorporating Immunotherapy into your Community-Based Urology Practice” was designed specifically for the interprofessional team of bladder cancer clinicians to address unmet educational needs by focusing on the communities where the significant majority of patients are diagnosed, evaluated, and managed. Methods: Four online activities were designed to target urology and uro-oncology community physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists focused on ICI therapies for bladder cancer, with a focus on the role of the team. Learning and confidence change were objectively assessed by analyzing pre- and post-test results before and after the educational activities. Statistical testing between pre- and post-tests were conducted via chi square analysis with a priori significance set at 0.05. Results: Evaluations were collected from N=706 participants. Knowledge advancements, as determined by significant ( P

11021 Background: Advancing the fight against cancer involves many types of research across different disciplines and professions, from PhD-trained scientists to medical oncology physicians. The IOYIF is a competitive academic research program where oncology junior faculty, clinical and post-doctoral fellows who are pursuing a career in academic research in IO are invited to submit an abstract of their unpublished, original research to a panel of expert judges for assessment. Methods: Performance and confidence change were objectively assessed by analyzing pre- and post-test results before and after the presentation of research. Statistical testing between pre- and post-participation were conducted via chi square analysis with a priori significance set at 0.05. Results: Participants experienced an improvement in mean abstract score following participation in the forum. The mean abstract score improvement was statistically significant for All Participants ( P< 0.001) and all sub-groups ( P< 0.001), with the sole exception of Clinician Scientists. Overall, PhD/Postdoctoral Research participants demonstrated the most improvement. The mean abstract score improvement was statistically significant for those who attended presentation coaching ( P< 0.001) as well as for those that did not ( P= 0.001); the magnitude of improvement was greater among those who attended coaching. Participant self-reported mean confidence scores increased with statistical significance from pre- to post-participation in the forum ( P< 0.001); this increase was noted across all participants and all sub-groups, and was observed in relation to both presentation skills and research defense. Young Investigators reported that lack of experience with grant writing is the most significant barrier they face to obtaining grant funding; they also listed lack of mentorship/guidance in publishing as a prominent barrier. Conclusions: This analysis demonstrates that an IO research forum designed for young investigators can improve the performance and confidence of these scientists. These findings highlight the robust, multifaceted impact of the IOYIF on advancing the professional development of the next generation of IO researchers. Identification of barriers demonstrates the tangible value of the IOYIF in providing needed mentorship to further research efforts, deliver axioms of grant writing guidance, and bridge the gap young researchers face in obtaining funding and publishing their work.

11035 Background: Rapid advancements in genomics and sequencing technologies have presented a growing need for experts in the field of genetics to translate results and optimize patient care. As knowledge regarding DNA mutations and the technology to properly detect them continuously advances, it will be vital that genetic counselors play a larger role in the oncology healthcare team. Methods: These activities were designed to target genetic counselors involved in the diagnosis, management and genetic counseling of patients who have or are at risk for DDR-mutated cancers, attending live symposia at the 2018 & 2019 American College of Medical Genetics & Genomics Annual Meeting. Learning and knowledge was objectively assessed by analyzing pre- and post-test results before and after the educational activities. To determine retention of knowledge over time, follow-up assessments were sent to participants after each live activity. Assessment questions in the form of case studies were utilized to gauge whether participants translated knowledge into practice at follow-up. Statistical testing between pre- and post-tests and from pre-test to follow-up were conducted via chi square analysis with a priori significance set at 0.05. Results: Evaluations were collected from N = 275 (onsite) participants. Improved learners, as determined by significant ( P < 0.05) increases in correct responses, were observed in several specific topic areas: When to consider germline testing (2018 participants: 53.33% pre-test vs. 87.5% post-test; 2019 participants: 42.55% pre-test vs. 84.72% post-test). Patients most likely to benefit from a PARP inhibitor based on genetic testing results (2018 participants: 50% pre-test vs. 93.75% post-test; 2019 participants: 75.49% pre-test vs. 94.37% post-test). However not all improvement was sustained at follow-up: When it is appropriate to consider germline testing (2018 participants: 64.44% at follow-up – not significant ( P= 0.138); 2019 participants: 85% at follow-up ( P< 0.001). Patients most likely to benefit from a PARP inhibitor based on genetic testing results (2018 participants: 68.89% at follow-up – not significant ( P= 0.140); 2019 participants: 65% at follow-up – not significant ( P= 0.329). Conclusions: This analysis shows that live accredited education can significantly improve the knowledge and competence of genetic counselors in multiple areas surrounding the use of germline testing to guide treatment recommendations. Results also suggest that ongoing education in clinically appropriate scenarios is warranted.