Screening of patients for clinical trials, the academic and the community perspective

Abstract

5124 Background: In the US, the percentage of patients (pts) that enroll in adult therapeutic clinical trial is less than 10%. Different barriers have been identified, such as pt willingness, or physician behavior. We looked at two different pt populations who were screened for participation in oncology clinical trials. Methods: All new pts who were seen at UNM CRTC from September 8 and December 15, 2003 (academic population) and most new pts seen at the NM Cancer Care Alliance (NMCCA) from April 21 to December 7, 2004 were included in eight categories for not enrolling in a clinical trial (see table). Results: 502 pts (out of 657 pts seen) at UNM CRTC and 189 pts at the NMCCA had a diagnosis of cancer, and 126 (25%, UNM CRTC) and 46 (24%, NMCCA) were enrolled in a therapeutic clinical trial. Patients did not enroll in a clinical trial for the following reasons: Conclusions: The two main reasons for non participation are lack of protocol availability and lack of interest on the part of the pt or the physician. In a less privately insured pt population (UNM CRTC), more pts declined to participate. More patient education must be planned to improve clinical trial enrollment. The menu of clinical trial must also be carefully chosen to maximize patient enrollment. No significant financial relationships to disclose.