Inclusion Rates of Teenagers and Young Adults in Cancer Trials
Author Information
Author(s): Fern L, Davies S, Eden T, Feltbower R, Grant R, Hawkins M, Lewis I, Loucaides E, Rowntree C, Stenning S, Whelan J
Primary Institution: University College London Hospitals NHS trust
Hypothesis
What are the current inclusion rates of teenagers and young adults with common cancers in clinical trials in England?
Conclusion
Teenagers and young adults have significantly lower participation rates in clinical trials compared to younger children.
Supporting Evidence
- Accrual rates for patients aged 10-14 years were 39.9%, while it fell to 13.8% for those aged 20-24 years.
- Only 14.3% of patients aged 15-24 years were recruited to trials for selected tumour types.
- Accrual rates for TYA were lower than for children in leukaemia, CNS tumours, and bone sarcomas.
Takeaway
This study found that fewer teenagers and young adults are included in cancer trials compared to younger kids, which might affect their treatment outcomes.
Methodology
The study analyzed accrual rates from 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2007 for selected tumour types in teenagers and young adults.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the limited availability of trials for certain cancers affecting teenagers and young adults.
Limitations
The study only reflects trials open to recruitment during the specified period and may not account for all relevant cancers.
Participant Demographics
Participants included teenagers and young adults aged 13-24 years with common cancers.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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