Reasons for Participating in Cancer Trials
Author Information
Author(s): Jenkins V, Fallowfield L
Primary Institution: CRC Psychosocial Oncology Group, Royal Free and University College London Medical School
Hypothesis
What factors influence patients' decisions to accept or decline participation in randomized clinical trials for cancer therapy?
Conclusion
Patients are more likely to participate in cancer trials if they trust their doctor and if the trial offers active treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- 72.1% of patients accepted entry to a randomized clinical trial.
- 23.1% of patients participated because they believed others would benefit.
- 21.1% of patients participated due to trust in their doctor.
- 19.6% of patients declined participation because they were worried about randomization.
- Acceptance rate was higher for trials providing active treatment in every arm.
Takeaway
This study found that many patients join cancer trials because they want to help others and trust their doctors, but some are scared of being randomly assigned to a group.
Methodology
Patients completed a 16-item questionnaire after consultations about trial participation.
Participant Demographics
112 (55%) were women with breast cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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