2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - Posters-P4.17C.01 Clinical Trial Enrollment at a Thoracic Oncology Program at a Single-Academic Institution Serving Primarily Underrepresented Patients

P4.17C.01 Clinical Trial Enrollment at a Thoracic Oncology Program at a Single-Academic Institution Serving Primarily Underrepresented Patients

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Pdf Summary

The study conducted by Mary Pasquinelli and colleagues at the University of Illinois Chicago evaluates clinical trial enrollment within a thoracic oncology program that serves predominantly underrepresented populations, focusing on barriers and patterns in trial participation. Despite the global oncology clinical trial participation ranging between 2-8%, this program recorded a participation rate of 35%, far exceeding the national average. However, significant disparities were noted, particularly in terms of racial enrollment, where White patients were significantly more likely to enroll compared to Black patients, with multivariate analysis indicating that White patients were over 10 times more likely to participate.<br /><br />Between 2021-2023, data from 249 lung cancer patients were retrospectively analyzed to observe trial enrollment status, and relevant demographic and clinical characteristics were compared through statistical methods including chi-square tests and logistic regression. Lack of available clinical trials was a major barrier (51.8%), with additional reasons for non-enrollment being ineligibility (22%) and personal choice despite eligibility (15%).<br /><br />Survey insights identified trust in physicians as a significant motivating factor for trial participation. Other motivations included contributing to community health research and accessing cutting-edge treatments. Conversely, reluctance to participate was linked to distrust in the medical system, fear of side effects, and logistical challenges associated with trial participation.<br /><br />The study highlights the need for improving recruitment strategies among underrepresented groups and ensuring equitable access to clinical trials. Addressing concerns about trust and logistical hurdles could improve participation rates and enhance diversity in clinical research, ultimately leading to broader benefits across different communities.

Asset Subtitle

Frank Weinberg

Meta Tag

Speaker Frank Weinberg

Topic Global Health, Health Services & Health Economics

Keywords

thoracic oncology

underrepresented populations

clinical trial enrollment

racial disparities

lung cancer

barriers to participation

trust in physicians

logistical challenges

equitable access

diversity in research