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Factors influencing enrollment in clinical trials for cancer treatment

C N Klabunde1, B C Springer, B Butler

  • 1Applied Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Md 20892-7344, USA.

Southern Medical Journal
|January 7, 2000
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Enrollment in cancer clinical trials is challenging. Fee-for-service insurance significantly increases trial participation, while patient refusal remains a major barrier, highlighting the need for better education on clinical trial value.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Clinical Trials
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Clinical trial recruitment for cancer patients faces persistent challenges.
  • Understanding factors influencing enrollment is crucial for advancing cancer treatment research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify key factors affecting patient enrollment in National Cancer Institute-sponsored clinical trials.
  • To analyze the impact of insurance type and patient refusal on clinical trial participation.

Main Methods:

  • Data collected from over 2,300 adult cancer patients evaluated for clinical trials.
  • Study conducted across 15 medical facilities in the southeastern United States between June 1997 and January 1998.

Main Results:

  • Only 7% of evaluated patients were enrolled in clinical trials.
  • Fee-for-service insurance was associated with over double the enrollment likelihood compared to other insurance types.
  • Patient refusal was responsible for nearly 40% of non-enrollment among eligible patients.

Conclusions:

  • Insurance coverage, particularly fee-for-service, significantly influences cancer clinical trial enrollment.
  • Patient refusal is a substantial barrier, emphasizing the need for enhanced patient and physician education regarding clinical trial benefits.

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