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Effectively Conducting Oncology Clinical Trials During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Debra Nana Yeboa1,2, Chidinma Anakwenze Akinfenwa1, Jonathan Nguyen1

  • 1Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

Advances in Radiation Oncology
|March 9, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A phased approach to reopening cancer clinical trials, utilizing remote staffing and telemedicine, successfully maintained patient enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring research continuity and patient safety.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Clinical Research
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Global clinical trial enrollment declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Maintaining critical medical research requires safe and efficient strategies.
  • Academic cancer centers faced challenges in continuing patient accrual.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of a phased trial reopening strategy on cancer clinical trial enrollment.
  • To assess the effectiveness of remote research staffing and telemedicine in maintaining accrual.
  • To understand how adaptive techniques can preserve trial integrity during a pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • Implementation of a phased reopening strategy for radiation oncology clinical trials.
  • Utilization of remote research staffing and telemedicine services.
  • Categorization of trials based on therapeutic benefit, patient exposure, and toxicity risk.

Main Results:

  • Despite initial declines, cancer trial enrollment showed a 10.5% relative increase from March to August 2020 compared to 2019.
  • Monthly patient accrual during the pandemic (23-73 patients) was comparable to pre-pandemic levels (42-71 patients).
  • A statistically significant difference (P < .001) in monthly enrollment was observed.

Conclusions:

  • A phased approach and adaptive techniques enabled radiation oncology to maintain cancer trial accrual during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • This strategy can help centers sustain accrual rates and preserve clinical trial integrity.
  • The methods employed minimized risks to both patients and research staff.

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