Understanding Barriers to Clinical Cancer Research in the Asia-Pacific

Despite the large cancer burden in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, there are significant challenges in conducting clinical research for health care professionals (HCPs) in the region, with gross disparities in access to clinical trials for patients. We set out to assess these potential barriers and to provide a basis to formulate strategies to address these challenges.

We conducted an online cross-sectional survey of HCPs practicing in oncology-related fields from the APAC. The survey's questions were framed around the respondents' demographics and other information including age, sex, affiliation, years of training, involvement with research, and attitude toward international cancer societies. Respondents were also analyzed by their country's income level according to World Bank criteria.

From May to July 2022, a total of 300 responses were received from 21 APAC countries and regions. Overall, the top five potential barriers that were identified include competing demands (88.5%), lack of financial support (85.9%), health care access issues for patients (75.3%), lack of research environment and infrastructure (72.2%), and lack of expertise of staff (68.1%). For these barriers, the main significant differences that were found between high-income countries and lower-middle-income countries include the lack of financial support, research environment and infrastructure, expertise, and health care access.

In this large, cross-sectional survey exploring the research and trial landscape in the APAC, we found various common and specific challenges affecting different countries and regions, thus emphasizing the importance of targeted measures in addressing these barriers. We hope that these findings will inform future planning and engagement efforts to improve access to trials and empower research in the region.