Promoting Racial Justice in Cancer Clinical Trials: Community Engaged Solutions for Bridging Gaps

Racially and ethnically diverse populations are disproportionately burdened with and more likely to die from cancer than White populations but remain persistently underrepresented in cancer clinical trials. Thus, the safety and efficacy assessments of novel therapies may not apply to all populations, and guidelines are developed using trials that inadequately reflect our population. This study aims to explore healthcare experiences, cancer clinical trial perceptions, and solutions for bridging gaps in cancer clinical trials among communities of color.

We held a series of five focus groups with 23 survivors and caregivers of color. These sessions explored perspectives around cancer care and research, clinical trials recruitment and messaging, and priorities around addressing the current insufficiency in representation in cancer research.

Our focus group data was analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Four themes were present including (1) high motivation to participate in cancer trials and desire for better outreach and education within communities of color; (2) examples of just care as a model for improving access to clinical trials; (3) manifestations of power and inequity in healthcare inhibiting opportunities for clinical trial participation; and (4) the need for trust-building at the healthcare, community, and interpersonal levels.

Our findings demonstrate that people of color strongly desire clinical trial options and discussions during cancer care, and trust-building is foundational to opening pathways to research participation. We offer concrete steps for increasing racial justice in cancer clinical trials that serve as a point of reflection and guidance for healthcare professionals, researchers, and clinical trials teams.