Barriers to Joining Phase I Cancer Trials
Author Information
Author(s): Ho Jeremy, Pond Gregory R, Newman Colin, Maclean Martha, Chen Eric X, Oza Amit M, Siu Lillian L
Primary Institution: Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network
Hypothesis
What are the barriers affecting patient referrals and enrollment in phase I cancer clinical trials?
Conclusion
The study identifies several barriers to patient enrollment in phase I trials, suggesting that better patient selection and education could improve recruitment rates.
Supporting Evidence
- 29.5% of referred patients were enrolled in a phase I trial.
- 24.7% of patients were deemed ineligible for trial participation.
- 14% of patients declined to enter a trial.
- 12.6% were recommended another treatment before a clinical trial.
Takeaway
This study looked at why some cancer patients don't join experimental treatment trials. It found that many patients are not eligible or choose not to participate for various reasons.
Methodology
A retrospective chart review of new patients referred to the phase I clinic from January 2000 to June 2005 was conducted.
Limitations
The study relies on physicians' clinic notes, which may not capture all complexities of patient decisions, and some patients were lost to follow-up.
Participant Demographics
{"gender_ratio":"339 male, 328 female","mean_age":56.5,"tumor_sites":{"breast":46,"GI_colorectal":172,"GI_non_colorectal":178,"genitourinary":36,"gynaecologic":74,"head_and_neck":23,"lung":57,"sarcoma":8,"skin_and_melanoma":11,"unknown_primary":42,"multiple_sites":6,"other":14}}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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