Oncologic patients' misconceptions may impede enrollment into clinical trials: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Clinical Research
• Medical Education

Background:

• Clinical trials are crucial for cancer care advancements but suffer from low enrollment (2-4%).
• Patient reluctance to participate is a significant barrier to clinical trial progress.
• Understanding patient knowledge and attitudes is key to improving enrollment rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patients' understanding of clinical trials.
• To assess patient attitudes towards participating in clinical trials.
• To identify factors influencing participation in cancer clinical trials.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 200 patients undergoing active anti-cancer therapy.
• Anonymous questionnaires collected demographic data, prior research experience, and knowledge of clinical trials.
• Data collected at a tertiary hospital's oncology division from January 2015 to September 2016.

Main Results:

• Most participants did not meet minimum knowledge criteria for clinical trials.
• Concerns about placebo assignment, informed consent, and oncologist trust were barriers to participation.
• Higher knowledge levels correlated with increased interest in clinical trial participation.
• Prior clinical trial experience was linked to higher education, less religiosity, better research understanding, and willingness to participate.

Conclusions:

• Misperceptions regarding clinical trials significantly contribute to patient unwillingness to enroll.
• Educational interventions may be necessary to address knowledge gaps and improve trial participation.
• Building trust between patients and oncologists is essential for enhancing clinical trial enrollment.