Improving Equity in Community Cancer Clinical Trials

Authors

Shadi Haddadin, MD, CPE, HMDC, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow

Document Type

Presentation

Presentation Date

4-18-2024

Comments

Presentation: 40:40

Abstract

Background: Cancer clinical trials are an important part of the standard of cancer care, yet the estimated participation rates in cancer treatment trials remain low at 6.3% across the entire US system and are not representative of the general population with consistent underrepresentation of minorities and populations with health disparities. Community Oncology plays a key role in delivering cancer care in the United States, with more than half of cancer patients receiving care in the community setting.

Purpose: Proposing practical solutions to improve enrollment in community cancer clinical trials, especially in populations with health disparities.

Methods: To understand the different causes of poor participation and to provide practical solutions, I performed an assessment of the patient populations of several community practices across several states using the U.S. census 2020 data and developed targeted surveys to collect data to help understand the needs of these practices and the populations they serve. In addition, I performed a SWOT analysis of the different community practices to assess their strengths, weaknesses, threats, and available opportunities.

Findings: This study found these practices to be diverse in their resources, capabilities, needs and the populations they serve, and a “One size” solution does not “fit all.”

Conclusion: Creating a well-funded centralized entity that oversees the implementation of clinical trials across the diverse groups and provides support to the different practices, will help in advancing clinical trials and achieving the “Triple aim” in population health.

Recommended Citation

Language

English