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Updated: May 22, 2026

Working with Human Tissues for Translational Cancer Research
Published on: November 26, 2015
Negotiating decisions during informed consent for pediatric Phase I oncology trials
Patricia A Marshall1, Ruth V Magtanong, Angela C Leek
1Center for Genetic Research Ethics and Law, Department of Bioethics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Abstract:
During informed consent conferences (ICCs) for Phase I trials, oncologists must present complex information while addressing concerns. Research on communication that evolves during ICCs remains largely unexplored. We examined communication during ICCs for pediatric Phase I cancer trials using a stratified random sample from six pediatric cancer centers. A grounded theory approach identified key communication steps and factors influencing the negotiation of decisions for trial participation. Analysis suggests that during ICCs, families, patients, and clinicians exercise choice and control by negotiating micro-decisions in two broad domains: drug logic and logistics, and administration/scheduling. Micro-decisions unfold in a four-step communication process: (1) introduction of an issue; (2) response; (3) negotiation of the issue; and (4) resolution and decision. Negotiation over smaller micro-decisions is prominent in ICCs and merits further study.
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