A Ground’s-Eye View on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cancer Clinical Trial Participation
Menée aux Etats-Unis sur la période 2017-2022, cette étude analyse les disparités ethniques dans la participation des patients atteints d'un cancer à des essais cliniques
The conduct of clinical trials is vital for developing new therapies for patients with cancer. It is sometimes forgotten that the entire clinical trial system hinges on the availability of patients who participate. Yet few adult patients with cancer participate in clinical treatment trials. Therefore, research that aims to improve understanding about barriers to trial participation and disparities in access to trials is critical.A 2019 study by Unger et al delineated the structural, clinical, physician, and patient barrier domains that may prohibit trial participation for most patients. Structural barriers are underpinned by the institutional commitment and investment in resources that are required to conduct cancer clinical trials, which can be burdensome. For this reason, trials are much more commonly conducted at major academic centers, limiting access for many patients who do not live near such centers. Even if a trial is available, a patient may not be clinically eligible. And even if a patient is eligible for an available trial, there is no certainty that a treating physician will offer a patient the opportunity to participate. Indeed, in their role guiding patients’ care, physicians may prefer a specific treatment or may face practical considerations of reimbursement and the time and effort to conduct a trial.
JAMA Network Open 2023