Enhancing minority participation in cancer clinical trials: Insights from a mixed methods study.

Abstract

70 Background: The urgency to enhance cancer clinical trial enrollment among racial and ethnic minority patients is underscored by the rise in novel therapies. This study examines referral mechanisms from a community-based oncology care clinic to an academic medical center, evaluates the clinical trial knowledge of minority groups, and explores perceptions and attitudes toward trials. Methods: Using a sequential explanatory mixed methods research design, Clinical Trial Knowledge Survey was administered to patients seen at the Hem/Onc clinic in a community-medical center. Descriptive statistics were calculated and multivariate analysis were used to examine associations between variables using STATA 18. Qualitative data from 10 semi-structured interviews were analyzed by two independent investigators using NVivo 14. Themes were identified through a combination of deductive and inductive approaches. Results: Of the 502 mailers sent, 97 individuals responded (response rate of 9.56%). Average age of participants was 54 years, predominantly single and African American. Majority of the of respondents (62%) agreed that patient participation is crucial for generating new and effective treatments. 65% believed that clinical trials are typically conducted on drugs presumed to be effective. However, 32.99% of the respondents perceived participation in clinical trials as a frightening experience. Four qualitative themes emerged: (i) Engagement with one’s health varied between participants. (ii) While clinical trial awareness was limited, willingness to participate was strongly endorsed. (iii) Clinical trial decision-making is a complex process heavily influenced by awareness of and attitudes toward clinical trials. (iv) There is a need to tailor educational strategies to increase awareness of and participation in clinical trials. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the critical role of awareness and tailored, culturally congruent educational strategies that are crucial to bridge the knowledge gap, alleviate hesitations, and enhance cancer clinical trial participation rates among racial and ethnic minorities.