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Clinical Trials: Not for the Poor and the Old

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Cancer and Society

Abstract

The oncology clinical trial enterprise relies on the voluntary participation of cancer patients. The percentage of adults with cancer enrolled in clinical trials is extremely small and primarily consists of White, insured patients who are less than 65 years of age. Low accrual causes delays and termination of many trials. Skewed study populations result in data that is not generalizable to poor and elderly patients. Inequitable access to oncology clinical trials harms current and future cancer patients. Correcting this inequity is a matter of patient safety and justice. This chapter will review participation rates, factors related to accrual, and potential areas for improvement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Office of Research Protections, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA

    Mary K. Clancy

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  1. Mary K. Clancy
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Correspondence to Mary K. Clancy .

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  1. Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA

    Eric H. Bernicker

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Clancy, M.K. (2019). Clinical Trials: Not for the Poor and the Old. In: Bernicker, E. (eds) Cancer and Society. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05855-5_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05855-5_5

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