The motivation of breast cancer patients to participate in a national randomized control trial

Clinical trials are essential for development of better cancer care. Therefore, patient willingness to participate in these trials is important. The aim of this study was to assess motivation and thoughts of breast cancer patients concerning participation in a clinical trial.

Twenty-one patients participated in two semi-structed interviews about participating in a clinical trial testing the efficacy of cryotherapy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients treated with paclitaxel. The interviews took place before and after the intervention and were coded and categorized following the steps in Braun & Clarke's thematic analysis to identify motivational factors and experiential themes.

Four overarching themes were identified: (1) reasons to participate in the trial, (2) personal resources, (3) safety, and (4) experience of the randomization. The most frequent reason for participating in the trial was to support research and help others, but many also participated hoping to receive the intervention treatment. The study showed that a surplus of personal resources played an important role when the patients decided to participate in the trial. Differences were found between patients belonging to the intervention and the control group in relation to these themes. Finally, both groups experienced the extra examinations received during the trial as an additional source of safety.

This qualitative study found different factors influencing the experience of participating in a clinical trial, e.g., intervention-status, personal resources, and safety. This knowledge can be valuable when planning future clinical trials involving breast cancer patients.