Patient motivations in cancer clinical trials
Author Information
Author(s): Nurgat Z A, Craig W, Campbell N C, Bissett J D, Cassidy J, Nicolson M C
Primary Institution: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Hypothesis
What motivates patients to participate in phase I and II clinical trials of cancer chemotherapy?
Conclusion
Most patients enter clinical trials primarily hoping for therapeutic benefit, despite understanding the risks involved.
Supporting Evidence
- 89% of patients cited possible health benefit as a very important factor for participation.
- 66% trusted their doctor and believed in receiving the latest treatment.
- 71% strongly agreed that surviving as long as possible was their main priority.
- Only 47% felt they were informed about reasonable alternatives to the trial.
Takeaway
Patients join cancer trials mainly because they hope to get better, even though the chances are low.
Methodology
Patients completed a questionnaire survey after giving informed consent, focusing on their motivations and understanding of the trials.
Potential Biases
Patients may have optimistic interpretations of trial information, potentially influenced by their trust in doctors.
Limitations
The study is small and conducted at a single institution.
Participant Demographics
{"gender":{"male":24,"female":14},"age":{"37-49":7,"50-59":12,"60-69":13,"70-79":6},"marital_status":{"single":6,"married":24,"separated_divorced_widowed":8},"education":{"high_school":21,"college":8,"university_postgraduate":3},"employment":{"full_part_time":11,"unemployed":2,"disabled":3,"housewife":4,"retired":16},"tumour_type":{"colorectal":15,"oesophageal":6,"lung":4,"mesothelioma":4,"gastric":2,"leiomyosarcoma":2,"unknown_primary":2,"other":3},"previous_chemotherapy":{"yes":23,"no":15},"previous_trial_participation":{"yes":7,"no":31}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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