Increasing Diversity in Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Trials

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Clinical Trials
• Health Equity

Background:

• Cancer clinical trials are vital for medical advancement and patient care.
• Current participants in oncology trials do not mirror the general population.
• Racial and ethnic minorities, rural residents, and lower socioeconomic groups are significantly underrepresented in cancer trials, especially for head and neck cancer (HNC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and categorize barriers to equitable accrual in oncology clinical trials.
• To apply the social ecological model to understand these barriers at multiple levels.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and frameworks.
• Application of the social ecological model (individual, interpersonal, institutional, community, policy levels).

Main Results:

• The social ecological model effectively categorizes diverse barriers to clinical trial participation.
• Barriers exist across all levels, from individual patient factors to broader policy issues.
• Underrepresentation is a complex issue requiring multifaceted solutions.

Conclusions:

• Addressing multilevel barriers requires collaboration among researchers, clinicians, community leaders, and policymakers.
• Inclusive trial design and implementation are essential for equitable distribution of research benefits.
• Clinical research must reflect the populations it serves to ensure all patients benefit from oncology innovation.