Exploring Demographic Representation and Reporting in Lung Cancer Clinical Trials with Canadian Sites from 2013 to...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Clinical Research
• Health Equity

Background:

• Phase III lung cancer clinical trials are critical for advancing cancer treatment.
• Ensuring diverse participant representation is essential for generalizability of trial results.
• Previous assessments indicate potential gaps in demographic reporting and diversity in clinical trials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reporting of demographic characteristics and participant diversity in phase III lung cancer clinical trials with Canadian research sites.
• To assess the representation of sex/gender, racial, and ethnic groups within these trials.
• To examine geographical trends of Canadian research sites and their reporting practices.

Main Methods:

• A literature search of the ClinicalTrials.gov registry identified trials conducted between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2023.
• Demographic reporting practices and participant representation (sex/gender, race, ethnicity) were assessed.
• Canadian research site locations and associated publication data collection methods were reviewed.

Main Results:

• Of 25 trials, 24 reported race and 18 reported ethnicity; all reported sex/gender and Canadian site locations.
• The majority of participants were White (66.1%), not Hispanic or Latino (81.4%), and male (57.8%).
• Ontario (43.6%) and Quebec (34.2%) hosted the most trial sites; underrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples and Nunavut was noted.

Conclusions:

• Lung cancer clinical trials in Canada demonstrate inadequate demographic reporting and participant diversity.
• Females, diverse patient populations, and regions with high lung cancer incidence require better inclusion.
• There is a critical need to enhance diversity and demographic representation in Canadian lung cancer clinical research.