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Cobb CO, Budd S, Maldonado G, Imran R, Foulds J, Yingst J, Yen MS, Kang L, Sun S, Hall PB, Chowdhury N, Cohen JE. Predictors of attrition in a randomized controlled trial of an electronic nicotine delivery system among people interested in cigarette smoking reduction. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 145:107662. [PMID: 39142511 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitigating attrition is a key component to reduce selection bias in longitudinal randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Few studies of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) allow for the examination of long-term retention. This analysis explores the relationship between attrition, baseline measures, and condition assigned for a RCT involving ENDS differing in nicotine delivery over a 24-week intervention period. METHODS Participants (N = 520) who smoked ≥10 cigarettes per day [CPD] for ≥1 year and reported interest in reducing but not quitting were randomized to 1 of 4 conditions: an ENDS containing 0, 8, or 36 mg/ml liquid nicotine (administered double-blind) or a cigarette-shaped plastic tube. Cox proportional hazards regression models were fit to examine attrition over time and predictors of attrition including baseline characteristics and condition. A stepwise approach was used to determine the final model; alpha was set at 0.05. RESULTS Attrition did not differ significantly by condition (223/520), and most (69%) were lost-to-follow-up. Only age, education level, and household income were significantly predictive of attrition. For every additional year of age, attrition risk fell by 3%. Holding a bachelor's degree or higher was associated with reduced attrition risk. Those with the lowest income (<$10 K) were more likely to be withdrawn compared to those earning $10 K-39 K, and those with the highest income ($100 K+) were more likely to be withdrawn compared with the latter bracket and those earning $70-99 K. CONCLUSION ENDS nicotine content did not drive differential attrition in this trial, and targeted retention efforts are needed for specific subgroups. Trial Registration #: NCT02342795.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline O Cobb
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 612 N Lombardy St, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, 100 West Franklin Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23220, USA.
| | - Serenity Budd
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, One Capital Square 830 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
| | - Gabrielle Maldonado
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 612 N Lombardy St, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, 100 West Franklin Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
| | - Rabia Imran
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 612 N Lombardy St, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, 100 West Franklin Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
| | - Jonathan Foulds
- Center for Research on Tobacco and Health, Penn State University College of Medicine, 30 Long Lane, Hershey, PA 17036, USA; Penn State University College of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, 700 HMC Crescent Road, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Jessica Yingst
- Center for Research on Tobacco and Health, Penn State University College of Medicine, 30 Long Lane, Hershey, PA 17036, USA; Penn State University College of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, 700 HMC Crescent Road, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Miao-Shan Yen
- Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, 100 West Franklin Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23220, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, One Capital Square 830 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
| | - Le Kang
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, One Capital Square 830 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
| | - Shumei Sun
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, One Capital Square 830 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
| | - Phoebe Brosnan Hall
- Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 64 Cummington Mall #149, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Nadia Chowdhury
- NYU Langone Health, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Joanna E Cohen
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Institute for Global Tobacco Control, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Schpero WL, Takvorian SU, Blickstein D, Shafquat A, Liu J, Chatterjee AK, Lamont EB, Chatterjee P. Association Between State Medicaid Policies and Accrual of Black or Hispanic Patients to Cancer Clinical Trials. J Clin Oncol 2024; 42:3238-3246. [PMID: 39052944 PMCID: PMC11408099 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE It is unknown whether Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or state-level policies mandating Medicaid coverage of the routine costs of clinical trial participation have ameliorated longstanding racial and ethnic disparities in cancer clinical trial enrollment. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional difference-in-differences analysis examining the effect of Medicaid expansion on rates of enrollment for Black or Hispanic nonelderly adults in nonobservational, US cancer clinical trials using data from Medidata's Rave platform for 2012-2019. We examined heterogeneity in this effect on the basis of whether states had pre-existing mandates requiring Medicaid coverage of the routine costs of clinical trial participation. RESULTS The study included 47,870 participants across 1,353 clinical trials and 344 clinical trial sites. In expansion states, the proportion of participants who were Black or Hispanic increased from 16.7% before expansion to 17.2% after Medicaid expansion (0.5 percentage point [PP] change [95% CI, -1.1 to 2.0]). In nonexpansion states, this proportion increased from 19.8% before 2014 (when the first states expanded eligibility under the ACA) to 20.4% after 2014 (0.6 PP change [95% CI, -2.3 to 3.5]). These trends yielded a nonsignificant difference-in-differences estimate of 0.9 PP (95% CI, -2.6 to 4.4). Medicaid expansion was associated with a 5.3 PP (95% CI, 1.9 to 8.7) increase in the enrollment of Black or Hispanic participants in states with mandates requiring Medicaid coverage of the routine costs of trial participation, but not in states without mandates (-0.3 PP [95% CI, -4.5 to 3.9]). CONCLUSION Medicaid expansion was not associated with a significant increase in the proportion of Black or Hispanic oncology trial participants overall, but was associated with an increase specifically in states that mandated Medicaid coverage of the routine costs of trial participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William L Schpero
- Division of Health Policy and Economics, Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY
- Center for Health Equity, Cornell University, New York, NY
| | - Samuel U Takvorian
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | | | - Jingshu Liu
- Medidata AI, a Dassault Systèmes Company, New York, NY
| | | | | | - Paula Chatterjee
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Durbin SM, Lundquist DM, Pelletier A, Jimenez R, Petrillo L, Kim J, Lynch K, Healy M, Johnson A, Ollila N, Yalala V, Malowitz B, Kehlmann A, Chevalier N, Turbini V, Bame V, Heldreth H, Silva J, McIntyre C, Juric D, Nipp RD. Time Toxicity Experienced by Early-Phase Cancer Clinical Trial Participants. JCO Oncol Pract 2024; 20:1252-1262. [PMID: 38857457 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Early-phase clinical trials (EP-CTs) are designed to determine optimal dosing, tolerability, and preliminary activity of novel cancer therapeutics. Little is known about the time that patients spend interacting with the health care system (eg, time toxicity) while participating in these studies. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the electronic health records of consecutive patients enrolled in EP-CTs from 2017 to 2019 to obtain baseline characteristics and number of health care-associated days, defined as all inpatient and outpatient visits while on trial. We used univariable and multivariable analyses to identify predictors of increased time toxicity, defined as the proportion of health care-associated days among total days on trial. For ease of interpretation, we created a dichotomous variable, with high time toxicity defined as ≥20% health care-associated days during time on trial and used regression models to evaluate relationships between time toxicity and clinical outcomes. RESULTS Among 408 EP-CT participants (mean age, 60.5 years [standard deviation, SD, 12.6]; 56.5% female; 88.2% White; 96.0% non-Hispanic), patients had an average of 22.5% health care-associated days while on trial (SD, 13.8%). Those with GI (B = 0.07; P = .002), head/neck (B = 0.09; P = .004), and breast (B = 0.06; P = .015) cancers and those with worse performance status (B = 0.04; P = .017) and those receiving targeted therapies (B = 0.04; P = .014) experienced higher time toxicity. High time toxicity was associated with decreased disease response rates (odds ratio, 0.07; P < .001), progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.10; P < .001), and overall survival (HR, 2.16; P < .001). CONCLUSION In this cohort of EP-CT participants, patients spent more than one-fifth of days on trial with health care contact. We identified characteristics associated with higher time toxicity and found that high toxicity correlated with worse clinical outcomes. These data could help inform patient-clinician discussions about EP-CTs, guide future trial design, and identify at-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sienna M Durbin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Debra M Lundquist
- Cancer Center Protocol Office, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | - Rachel Jimenez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Laura Petrillo
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Janice Kim
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kaitlyn Lynch
- Cancer Center Protocol Office, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Megan Healy
- Cancer Center Protocol Office, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Andrew Johnson
- Cancer Center Protocol Office, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Nicholas Ollila
- Cancer Center Protocol Office, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Vaishnavi Yalala
- Cancer Center Protocol Office, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Benjamin Malowitz
- Cancer Center Protocol Office, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Allison Kehlmann
- Cancer Center Protocol Office, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Nicholas Chevalier
- Cancer Center Protocol Office, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Victoria Turbini
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Viola Bame
- Cancer Center Protocol Office, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Hope Heldreth
- Statistician, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jenipher Silva
- Cancer Center Protocol Office, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Casandra McIntyre
- Department of Nursing & Patient Care Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Dejan Juric
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ryan D Nipp
- University of Oklahoma Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK
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Podany EL, Bulsara S, Sanchez K, Otte K, Ellis MJ, Kinik M. Breast cancer clinical trial participation among diverse patients at a comprehensive cancer center. NPJ Breast Cancer 2024; 10:70. [PMID: 39097576 PMCID: PMC11297908 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-024-00672-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to determine the enrollment patterns in breast cancer clinical trials (CCTs) of patients with diverse backgrounds in an equal access setting and to evaluate the factors contributing to low rates of clinical trial accrual in patients of low socioeconomic status (SES). We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of new patients seen at the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center dating from 5/2015 to 9/2021, which included 3043 patients screened for breast CCTs. We compared the rate of CCT availability, eligibility, and enrollment between two patient populations: Smith Clinic, where most patients are of low SES and uninsured, and Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center (BSLMC) with mostly predominantly insured, higher income patients. We performed logistic regression to evaluate whether differences in age, clinic, race, trial type, and primary language may be underlying the differences in CCT enrollment. More patients were eligible for CCTs at Smith Clinic (53.7% vs 44.7%, p < 0.001). However, Smith Clinic patients were more likely to decline CCT enrollment compared to BSLMC (61.3% declined vs 39.4%, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, Black patients had a significantly higher rate of CCT refusal overall (OR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.12-0.56, p < 0.001) and BSLMC only (OR = 0.20, 95% CI 0.060-0.60, p = 0.006). Our data shows that it is likely an oversimplification to assume that equal access will lead to the elimination of CCT disparities. Efforts to diversify CCTs must include consideration of structural and institutional inequities as well as social needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Podany
- Baylor College of Medicine, Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Shaun Bulsara
- Baylor College of Medicine, Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katherine Sanchez
- Baylor College of Medicine, Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kristen Otte
- Baylor College of Medicine, Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew J Ellis
- Baylor College of Medicine, Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The Institute for Proteogenomic Discovery, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maryam Kinik
- Baylor College of Medicine, Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Lan CL, Belot A, Golfier C, Audin B, Sesques P, Bernier A, Safar V, Ferrant E, Lazareth A, Lequeu H, Karlin L, Ghergus D, Maarek A, Aussedat G, Idlhaj M, Salles G, Cherblanc F, Bachy E, Ghesquieres H. Evaluation of participation and recruitment bias in a prospective Real World Data in Lymphoma and Survival in Adults (REALYSA) cohort for newly diagnosed lymphoma patients over 1 year in a hematology department of teaching hospital. Hematol Oncol 2024; 42:e3297. [PMID: 38989917 DOI: 10.1002/hon.3297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Le Lan
- Department of Hematology, Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Aurélien Belot
- Lymphoma Academic Research Organization (LYSARC), Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Camille Golfier
- Department of Hematology, Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Bérénice Audin
- Department of Hematology, Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Pierre Sesques
- Department of Hematology, Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Adeline Bernier
- Lymphoma Academic Research Organization (LYSARC), Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Violaine Safar
- Department of Hematology, Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | | | - Anne Lazareth
- Department of Hematology, Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Hélène Lequeu
- Department of Hematology, Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Lionel Karlin
- Department of Hematology, Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Dana Ghergus
- Department of Hematology, Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Alizée Maarek
- Department of Hematology, Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | | | - Maryam Idlhaj
- Department of Hematology, Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Gilles Salles
- Department of Hematology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fanny Cherblanc
- Lymphoma Academic Research Organization (LYSARC), Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Emmanuel Bachy
- Department of Hematology, Lyon Sud Hospital, Pierre-Bénite, France
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Ngô C, Bonsang-Kitzis H, Charreire H, Bochaton A, Conti B, Baffert S, Beauvais A, Arnoux A, Lécuru F, Desprès C. [Impact of precariousness on breast cancer care in the Île-de-France region: Results of the DESSEIN study]. Bull Cancer 2024; 111:635-645. [PMID: 38876896 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2024.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Precariousness has been associated with an increase in breast cancer mortality, but the links between precariousness, stage at diagnosis and care pathways are little explored. The objective of the DESSEIN study was to assess the impact of precariousness on disease and care pathways. METHODS Prospective observational study in Île-de-France comparing precarious and non-precarious patients consulting for breast cancer and followed for 1 year. RESULTS In total, 875 patients were included between 2016 and 2019 in 19 institutions: 543 non-precarious patients and 332 precarious patients. Precarious patients had a more advanced stage at diagnosis (55% T1 vs. 63%, 30% N+ vs 19%, P=0.0006), had a higher risk of not receiving initially planned treatment (4 vs. 1%, P=0.004), and participated less in clinical trials (5 vs. 9%, P=0.03). Non-use of supportive oncology care was 2 times more frequent among patients in precarious situations (P<0.001). During treatment, 33% of deprived patients reported a loss of income, compared with 24% of non-deprived patients (P<0.001). At 12 months from diagnosis, lay-offs were 2 times more frequent in precarious patients (P=0.0001). DISCUSSION Precariousness affects all stages of the cancer history and care pathway. Particular attention needs to be paid to vulnerable populations, considering issues of accessibility and affordability of care, health literacy and possible implicit bias from the care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Ngô
- Hôpital privé des peupliers, Ramsay santé, 8, place de l'Abbé-Georges-Hénocque, 75013 Paris, France; Équipe EtreS, centre de recherche des cordeliers, Sorbonne université, université de Paris, Inserm, 15, rue de l'École de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France.
| | - Hélène Bonsang-Kitzis
- Hôpital privé des peupliers, Ramsay santé, 8, place de l'Abbé-Georges-Hénocque, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Hélène Charreire
- MoISA, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD, université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Benoît Conti
- École des Ponts, LVMT, université Gustave-Eiffel, 77454 Marne-la-Vallée, France
| | - Sandrine Baffert
- CEMKA, 43, boulevard du Maréchal-Joffre, 92340 Bourg-la-Reine, France
| | | | - Armelle Arnoux
- Unité de recherche clinique, center d'investigation clinique 1418 épidémiologie clinique, université Paris Cité, AP-HP, hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Fabrice Lécuru
- Département de chirurgie, Institut Curie, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Caroline Desprès
- Équipe EtreS, centre de recherche des cordeliers, Sorbonne université, université de Paris, Inserm, 15, rue de l'École de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France
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Fairley R, Lillard JW, Berk A, Cornew S, Gaspero J, Gillespie J, Horne LL, Kidane S, Munro SB, Parsons M, Powers ER, Rizzo SE, Tishcler A, Wohl H, Weiss MC. Increasing Clinical Trial Participation of Black Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:1701-1717. [PMID: 37314691 PMCID: PMC11101578 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01644-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite racial disparities in breast cancer mortality, Black women remain underrepresented in clinical trials. In this mixed methods research, 48 Black women were engaged via focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to better understand the lived experience of women with breast cancer. The results of this qualitative study informed the development of a subsequent online survey to identify barriers, motivators, and other factors that influence decision-making by Black women diagnosed with breast cancer when considering clinical trial participation. Among the 257 Black survey participants, most (95%) were aware of clinical trials; of those, most viewed them as lifesaving (81%) and/or benefiting others (90%). Negative perceptions such as serious side effects (58%), not receiving real treatment (52%), or risk of potential harm (62%) were indicated. Barriers included financial expenses (49%), concerns that their condition could be made worse (29%), that they would receive a placebo (28%), or that treatment was unapproved (28%). Participants were more likely than their health care providers (HCPs) to initiate discussions of clinical trials (53% versus 33%), and 29% of participants indicated a need for more information about risks and benefits, even after having those conversations. The most trustworthy sources of information on clinical trials were HCPs (66%) and breast cancer support groups (64%). These results suggest that trusted communities are key for providing education on clinical trials. However, there is also a need for HCPs to proactively discuss clinical trials with patients to ensure that they are adequately informed about all aspects of participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricki Fairley
- TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, Annapolis, MD, USA
| | - James W Lillard
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Sophia Cornew
- Patient Network and Data, Invitae, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - LaTrisha L Horne
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Emily R Powers
- TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, Annapolis, MD, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Marisa C Weiss
- Breastcancer.org, Ardmore, PA, USA
- Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, PA, USA
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Berg T, Jensen MB, Rossing M, Axelsen CT, Kümler I, Søndergaard L, Vogsen M, Knoop AS, Ejlertsen B. Incidence and survival of primary metastatic breast cancer in Denmark; implication of breast cancer screening, classification, and staging practice. Acta Oncol 2024; 63:277-287. [PMID: 38711384 PMCID: PMC11332488 DOI: 10.2340/1651-226x.2023.37270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary metastatic breast cancer (pMBC) accounts for 5-10% of annual breast cancers with a median survival of 3-4 years, varying among subtypes. In Denmark, the incidence of breast cancer increased until 2010, followed by a stabilisation. Several factors influencing pMBC incidence and survival, including screening prevalence, staging methods, and classification standards, remain pivotal but inadequately documented. MATERIAL AND METHOD This retrospective observational study involving pMBC patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2020 encompassed all Danish oncology departments. Data from the Danish Breast Cancer Group database and the National Patient Register included diagnosis specifics, demographics, treatment, and follow-up. RESULTS Between 2000 and 2020, 3,272 patients were diagnosed with pMBC, a rise from 355 patients in 2000-2004 to 1,323 patients in 2015-2020. The increase was particularly observed in patients aged 70 years or older. Changes in tumour subtypes were observed, notably with a rise in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive cases but a steady distribution of estrogen receptor (ER) status. Diagnostic practices changed over the two decades, with 6% evaluated with PET/CT (positron emission tomography-computed tomography) or CT (computed tomography) with a bone evaluation in 2000-2004 and 65% in 2015-2020. Overall survival (OS) improved from 23 months in 2000-2004 to 33 months in 2015-2020. In patients with ER-positive and HER2-positive disease, the multivariable model showed improved survival by year of diagnosis, and further, patients with ER-negative/HER2-negative disease fared worse the first 2 years after diagnosis. INTERPRETATION Our study delineates changes in the treatment and survival of pMBC over two decades. Stage migration, screening introduction, and changes in registration practice, however, prevent a valid assessment of a possible causal relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Berg
- Danish Breast Cancer Group, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.
| | - Maj-Britt Jensen
- Danish Breast Cancer Group, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Maria Rossing
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Iben Kümler
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Lise Søndergaard
- Department of Oncology, Zealand University Hospital, Næstved Sygehus, Denmark
| | - Marianne Vogsen
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ann S Knoop
- anish Breast Cancer Group, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Bent Ejlertsen
- anish Breast Cancer Group, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Lee H, Bates AS, Callier S, Chan M, Chambwe N, Marshall A, Terry MB, Winkfield K, Janowitz T. Analysis and Optimization of Equitable US Cancer Clinical Trial Center Access by Travel Time. JAMA Oncol 2024; 10:652-657. [PMID: 38512297 PMCID: PMC10958387 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.7314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Importance Racially minoritized and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations are currently underrepresented in clinical trials. Data-driven, quantitative analyses and strategies are required to help address this inequity. Objective To systematically analyze the geographical distribution of self-identified racial and socioeconomic demographics within commuting distance to cancer clinical trial centers and other hospitals in the US. Design, Setting, and Participants This longitudinal quantitative study used data from the US Census 2020 Decennial and American community survey (which collects data from all US residents), OpenStreetMap, National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Centers list, Nature Index of Cancer Research Health Institutions, National Trial registry, and National Homeland Infrastructure Foundation-Level Data. Statistical analyses were performed on data collected between 2006 and 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures Population distributions of socioeconomic deprivation indices and self-identified race within 30-, 60-, and 120-minute 1-way driving commute times from US cancer trial sites. Map overlay of high deprivation index and high diversity areas with existing hospitals, existing major cancer trial centers, and commuting distance to the closest cancer trial center. Results The 78 major US cancer trial centers that are involved in 94% of all US cancer trials and included in this study were found to be located in areas with socioeconomically more affluent populations with higher proportions of self-identified White individuals (+10.1% unpaired mean difference; 95% CI, +6.8% to +13.7%) compared with the national average. The top 10th percentile of all US hospitals has catchment populations with a range of absolute sum difference from 2.4% to 35% from one-third each of Asian/multiracial/other (Asian alone, American Indian or Alaska Native alone, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander alone, some other race alone, population of 2 or more races), Black or African American, and White populations. Currently available data are sufficient to identify diverse census tracks within preset commuting times (30, 60, or 120 minutes) from all hospitals in the US (N = 7623). Maps are presented for each US city above 500 000 inhabitants, which display all prospective hospitals and major cancer trial sites within commutable distance to racially diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Conclusion and Relevance This study identified biases in the sociodemographics of populations living within commuting distance to US-based cancer trial sites and enables the determination of more equitably commutable prospective satellite hospital sites that could be mobilized for enhanced racial and socioeconomic representation in clinical trials. The maps generated in this work may inform the design of future clinical trials or investigations in enrollment and retention strategies for clinical trials; however, other recruitment barriers still need to be addressed to ensure racial and socioeconomic demographics within the geographical vicinity of a clinical site can translate to equitable trial participant representation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassal Lee
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Alexander Shakeel Bates
- Department of Neurobiology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shawneequa Callier
- Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
- Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Michael Chan
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Nyasha Chambwe
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York
| | - Andrea Marshall
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Beth Terry
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Karen Winkfield
- Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Tobias Janowitz
- Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Manhasset, New York
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10
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Williams CP, Deng L, Caston NE, Gallagher K, Angove R, Pisu M, Azuero A, Arend R, Rocque GB. Understanding the financial cost of cancer clinical trial participation. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7185. [PMID: 38629264 PMCID: PMC11022148 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though financial hardship is a well-documented adverse effect of standard-of-care cancer treatment, little is known about out-of-pocket costs and their impact on patients participating in cancer clinical trials. This study explored the financial effects of cancer clinical trial participation. METHODS This cross-sectional analysis used survey data collected in December 2022 and May 2023 from individuals with cancer previously served by Patient Advocate Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing social needs navigation and financial assistance to US adults with a chronic illness. Surveys included questions on cancer clinical trial participation, trial-related financial hardship, and sociodemographic data. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted using Cramer's V to estimate the in-sample magnitude of association. Associations between trial-related financial hardship and sociodemographics were estimated using adjusted relative risks (aRR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) from modified Poisson regression models with robust standard errors. RESULTS Of 650 survey respondents, 18% (N = 118) reported ever participating in a cancer clinical trial. Of those, 47% (n = 55) reported financial hardship as a result of their trial participation. Respondents reporting trial-related financial hardship were more often unemployed or disabled (58% vs. 43%; V = 0.15), Medicare enrolled (53% vs. 40%; V = 0.15), and traveled >1 h to their cancer provider (45% vs. 17%; V = 0.33) compared to respondents reporting no hardship. Respondents who experienced trial-related financial hardship most often reported expenses from travel (reported by 71% of respondents), medical bills (58%), dining out (40%), or housing needs (40%). Modeling results indicated that respondents traveling >1 h vs. ≤30 min to their cancer provider had a 2.2× higher risk of financial hardship, even after adjusting for respondent race, income, employment, and insurance status (aRR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.8). Most respondents (53%) reported needing $200-$1000 per month to compensate for trial-related expenses. Over half (51%) of respondents reported less willingness to participate in future clinical trials due to incurred financial hardship. Notably, of patients who did not participate in a cancer clinical trial (n = 532), 13% declined participation due to cost. CONCLUSION Cancer clinical trial-related financial hardship, most often stemming from travel expenses, affected almost half of trial-enrolled patients. Interventions are needed to reduce adverse financial participation effects and potentially improve cancer clinical trial participation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luqin Deng
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | | | | | | | - Maria Pisu
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Andres Azuero
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Rebecca Arend
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
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11
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Colombage RL, Holden S, Lamport DJ, Barfoot KL. The effects of flavonoid supplementation on the mental health of postpartum parents. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1345353. [PMID: 38577523 PMCID: PMC10993701 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1345353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction During the postpartum period, parents face psychological challenges and consequently, changes in mood and associated mood disorders have become increasingly prevalent in the 6-months following birth. Dietary flavonoids have been found to benefit mood and are therefore an appealing non-pharmacological option for potentially treating mood disorders in the postpartum. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a two-week dietary flavonoid intervention would improve mothers' and fathers' mental health in the immediate 6-month postpartum period. Method The study employed a randomised, parallel groups, controlled design to explore the effects of a flavonoid intervention vs. control group on several outcomes, including mood (PANAS), postpartum depression (EPDS), postpartum anxiety (PSAS-RSF-C) and quality of life (WHOQOL). Sixty participants (mothers n = 40, fathers n = 20) in the 6-month post-partum period were randomised to either a "flavonoid" or "control" condition. The flavonoid group were asked to add two flavonoid-rich foods (approximate flavonoid intake 218 mg/day) into their daily diet whilst controls (n = 23) were asked to continue with their usual diet for two-weeks (ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04990622). Results Significant effects were found in the flavonoid group where mothers reported higher positive affect and lower postpartum depression after the two-week intervention relative to baseline. This finding is especially relevant as a clinical reduction in postpartum depression scores in the flavonoid group by an average 2.6 scoring points was observed, which equated to a reduction from "possible depression" at baseline to "little or no depression" at 2-weeks, which was not observed in the control group. Fathers' data was not analysed due to non-compliance with the intervention. Discussion This study provides evidence for the benefits of a dietary flavonoid intervention for mood and mental health in new mothers, supporting the utility of non-pharmacological, self-administrable changes to the diet for improving positive mood outcomes and reducing symptoms of postpartum depression in mothers during an especially challenging time. Further research for the effect of dietary interventions on paternal mental health is needed. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04990622.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Katie Louise Barfoot
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
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12
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Nielsen LH, Kristensen DT, Jakobsen LH, Bøgsted M, Gregersen H, Madsen J, Severinsen MT, Brøndum RF. Socioeconomic Status and Overall Survival Among Patients With Hematological Malignant Neoplasms. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e241112. [PMID: 38436954 PMCID: PMC10912957 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.1112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance In recent years, there has been a focus on reducing the socioeconomic gap in survival for hematological malignant neoplasms. Understanding recent developments is important to develop further intervention to improve care. Objective To investigate the temporal trend in associations of socioeconomic status (SES) with survival among 3 aggressive hematological malignant neoplasms: multiple myeloma (MM), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Design, Setting, and Participants This nationwide, population-based cohort study used retrospectively collected data from 3 clinical registries of patients diagnosed in Denmark between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2020, with follow-up until December 31, 2021. Analyses were stratified by diagnosis year (2005-2009, 2010-2014, and 2015-2020). Participants were patients aged 25 to 65 years with hematological malignant neoplasms. Patients with missing data on education were excluded. Data were analyzed from October 14, 2022, to January 2, 2024. Exposure Education was used as a proxy for SES and defined low- and high-SES groups based on the completion of tertiary education. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome was overall survival (OS), analyzed using Kaplan-Meier (log rank) method and Cox proportional hazards regression adjusted for age, sex, performance status, comorbidities, and disease-specific prognostic indices. Two-year OS through time and survival difference were estimated using flexible parametric survival models. Results A total of 5677 patients (median [IQR] age, 58 [51-62] years; 3177 [57.0%] male) were assessed, including 1826 patients with MM, 1236 patients with AML, and 2509 patients with DLBCL. The 2-year OS increased over time for patients with MM (78.8% [95% CI, 75.4%-82.3%] to 91.4% [95% CI, 89.3%-93.5%]), AML (42.2% [95% CI, 37.8%-47.1%] to 52.7% [95% CI, 48.0%-57.9%]), and DLBCL (80.1% [95% CI, 77.4%-82.8%] to 88.1% [95% CI, 86.0%-90.3%]). For MM and DLBCL, no association of SES with survival was observed after adjustment (MM: hazard ratio [HR], 0.99 [95% CI, 0.85-1.15]; DLBCL: HR, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.91-1.29]). For AML, a negative association was observed between low SES and survival (HR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.25-1.76]), but the association was attenuated in recent years. The difference in hazard for patients with low SES and AML was observed in the first 2 years after diagnosis. Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that survival has improved among patients with these hematological malignant neoplasms. While patients with MM and DLBCL had increased survival in all groups, disparities were observed in AML outcomes, primarily in the first years after diagnosis. These results suggest that differences originate in factors specific to AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Hernández Nielsen
- Center for Clinical Data Science, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University and Research, Education and Innovation, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Daniel Tuyet Kristensen
- Center for Clinical Data Science, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University and Research, Education and Innovation, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lasse Hjort Jakobsen
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Martin Bøgsted
- Center for Clinical Data Science, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University and Research, Education and Innovation, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Henrik Gregersen
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jakob Madsen
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Marianne Tang Severinsen
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Froberg Brøndum
- Center for Clinical Data Science, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University and Research, Education and Innovation, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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13
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Odstrcil MS, Lee CJ, Sobieski C, Weisdorf D, Couriel D. Access to CAR T-cell therapy: Focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. Blood Rev 2024; 63:101136. [PMID: 37863793 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies in patients with relapsed or refractory disease without other treatment options. However, only a very small proportion of patients with an indication for CAR T-cell can access the treatment. The imbalance between supply and demand is magnified in minority and vulnerable populations. Limited access is multifactorial and in part a result of factors directly related to the cellular product such as cost, complex logistics and manufacturing limitations. On the other hand, the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and their social and structural context are also key to understanding access barriers in cellular therapy and health care in general. CAR T-cell therapy provides us with a new opportunity to better understand and prioritize this gap, a key step towards proactively and strategically addressing access. The aim of this review is to provide an analysis of the current state of access to CAR T therapy with a focus on the influence of DEI. We will cover aspects related to the cellular product and the inseparable context of social and structural determinants. Identifying and addressing barriers is necessary to ensure equitable access to this and all future novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S Odstrcil
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Catherine J Lee
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Catherine Sobieski
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Daniel Weisdorf
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Daniel Couriel
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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14
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Donzo MW, Nguyen G, Nemeth JK, Owoc MS, Mady LJ, Chen AY, Schmitt NC. Effects of socioeconomic status on enrollment in clinical trials for cancer: A systematic review. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6905. [PMID: 38169154 PMCID: PMC10807561 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To achieve equitable access to cancer clinical trials (CCTs), patients must overcome structural, clinical, and attitudinal barriers to trial enrollment. The goal of this systematic review was to study the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES), assessed either by direct or proxy measures, and CCT enrollment. METHODS The review team and medical librarian developed search strategies for each database to identify studies for this systematic review, which was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were as follows: studies published in relevant scientific journals between January 2000 and July 2022, primary sources, English literature, and studies conducted in the US. Sixteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The risk of bias assessment was conducted independently by two reviewers using the Newcastle Ottawa scale. RESULTS The initial search yielded 4070 citations, and 16 studies were included in our review. Four of the studies included used patient reported annual income as a measure of SES, while the remaining 12 studies used patient zip code as a proxy measurement of SES. Consistent with our hypothesis, 13 studies showed a positive association between high SES (patient-reported or proxy measurement) and CCT enrollment. Two studies showed a negative association, and one study showed no relationship. CONCLUSIONS The existing literature suggests that low SES is associated with lower participation in CCT. The small number of studies identified on this topic highlights the need for additional research on SES and other barriers to CCT participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Wichhart Donzo
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- The Winship Cancer Institute at Emory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Grace Nguyen
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- The Winship Cancer Institute at Emory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - John K. Nemeth
- Woodruff Health Sciences Center LibraryEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Maryanna S. Owoc
- University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Leila J. Mady
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Amy Y. Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- The Winship Cancer Institute at Emory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Nicole C. Schmitt
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- The Winship Cancer Institute at Emory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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15
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Gordon EA, Gordon JW. Impact of Coronavirus Disease-era Clinical Trial Reform on Cancer Trial Access in Rural/Underserved Regions of the Midwest. Am J Clin Oncol 2024; 47:22-24. [PMID: 37815370 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000001051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic refocused the cancer community on bringing clinical trials closer to patients and increasing access for traditionally underserved communities. Pandemic-era deregulation increased flexibility with telemedicine visits, less frequent testing, and the ability to have tests done locally. This study evaluates the impact of 2020 cancer clinical trial reform on trial accessibility in rural/underserved regions of the Midwest. METHODS Publicly available clinicaltrials.gov data was accessed from January 1, 2018 to September 30, 2022 for the 3 leading causes of new cancer cases in Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, and Indiana. Interventional trials were categorized based on location using corresponding "Rural-Urban Commuting Area" codes (urban/metropolitan, suburban/micropolitan, small town/rural, and isolated/rural) and categorized as pre versus postpandemic (using March 15, 2020, when national regulatory guidelines were modified). Locations of trial offerings from pre and postpandemic dates were analyzed by paired t test. Comparison of trial location category by state and cancer type was analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance with pairwise multiple comparisons made using the Tukey-Kramer method. RESULTS Pandemic-era deregulation had no impact on increasing trial availability in suburban and small-town/rural locales ( P = 0.1259). Only 18% of trials were offered outside of urban areas, with 15% in suburban and 3% in small town/rural areas. Results varied by state ( P < 0.0001) with Illinois offering the most suburban and small-town trial availability (27%) compared with Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee (18%, 6%, and 2%, respectively). Trial availability in rural versus urban areas did not differ by cancer type ( P = 0.07197). CONCLUSIONS More work must be done to increase access to cancer clinical trials in rural and suburban areas of the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Gordon
- Department of Public & Community Health, Murray State University, Murray, KY
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16
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Huang H, Chen Z, Zhu M, Deng X, Yu L, Weng H, Yao Y, Hong H, Fang X, Wang Z, Tian Y, Huang H, Lin T. Discontinuation and nonpublication of nasopharyngeal carcinoma clinical trials. Oral Oncol 2024; 148:106656. [PMID: 38065019 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the extent of research waste in the field of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we explored the rates, causes and predictors of discontinuation and nonpublication of NPC clinical trials. The sample was derived using the ClinicalTrials.gov advanced search function. Adjusted logistic regression was used to ascertain the effect of trial characteristics on completion and publication status. If a trial discontinuation explanation or publication status could not be determined through the systematic search, the corresponding author was emailed. RESULTS Ultimately, 311 NPC clinical trials were included (255 [82.0 %] completed and 56 [18.0 %] discontinued trials). The most common reason for trial discontinuation was poor accrual (50 %, 23/46). Industry funding (adjusted OR, 3.12; P = 0.003) and recurrent/metastatic setting (adjusted OR, 11.95; P = 0.003) were significantly associated with increased likelihood of trial discontinuation. Of the 207 completed trials included in the publication query, 141 (68.1 %) were published in peer-reviewed journals, 10 (4.8 %) had results only available on ClinicalTrials.gov, and 56 (27.1 %) remained unpublished 3 or more years after trial completion. Radiation with or without pharmacologic interventions significantly increased the potential of publication (adjusted OR, 3.20; P = 0.048). Among published trials, the median time to publication was 28.47 months (interquartile range, 15.27-44.98 months). CONCLUSION We identified the difficulties inherent in NPC clinical trials from completion to publication. This represents considerable research waste in NPC, thus raising ethical concerns about the concealment of clinical data and futile patient participation and attendant risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huageng Huang
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Zegeng Chen
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Manyi Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital and Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xinyi Deng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, PR China
| | - Le Yu
- Department of Oncology, Senior Ward and Phase I Clinical Trial Ward, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, PR China
| | - Huawei Weng
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Oncology, Senior Ward and Phase I Clinical Trial Ward, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, PR China
| | - Yuyi Yao
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Huangming Hong
- Department of Oncology, Senior Ward and Phase I Clinical Trial Ward, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, PR China
| | - Xiaojie Fang
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Ying Tian
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
| | - Tongyu Lin
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Oncology, Senior Ward and Phase I Clinical Trial Ward, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, PR China.
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Amin K, Bethel G, Jackson LR, Essien UR, Sloan CE. Eliminating Health Disparities in Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Failure, and Dyslipidemia: A Path Toward Achieving Pharmacoequity. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023; 25:1113-1127. [PMID: 38108997 PMCID: PMC11044811 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01180-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Pharmacoequity refers to the goal of ensuring that all patients have access to high-quality medications, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or other characteristics. The goal of this article is to review current evidence on disparities in access to cardiovascular drug therapies across sociodemographic subgroups, with a focus on heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and dyslipidemia. RECENT FINDINGS Considerable and consistent disparities to life-prolonging heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and dyslipidemia medications exist in clinical trial representation, access to specialist care, prescription of guideline-based therapy, drug affordability, and pharmacy accessibility across racial, ethnic, gender, and other sociodemographic subgroups. Researchers, health systems, and policy makers can take steps to improve pharmacoequity by diversifying clinical trial enrollment, increasing access to inpatient and outpatient cardiology care, nudging clinicians to increase prescription of guideline-directed medical therapy, and pursuing system-level reforms to improve drug access and affordability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krunal Amin
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Garrett Bethel
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Larry R Jackson
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Utibe R Essien
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy, Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Caroline E Sloan
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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18
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Zhu X, Chen Y. The reimbursement decision speed for oncology new drugs in China and its determinant factors. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1207739. [PMID: 38026304 PMCID: PMC10643204 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1207739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction China has initiated national price negotiations to improve access to innovative drugs. Learning the factors that contributed to the time gap from marketing authorization to reimbursement leads to more clarity to decision-making, which remains under-researched in China. Methods We collected new oncology drug approvals that were marketed before 30 Jun 2022, using the Listed Drug Database of the Chinese drug agency. Major information of each approval was obtained from the published review report, including the first approval region (China or the US) and the receipt of expedited review pathways (priority review and conditional approval). The reimbursement lists issued by China National Healthcare Security Administration from 2015 to 2023 were used to determine the reimbursement status of drugs. The duration from marketing authorization to reimbursement was defined as the reimbursement decision speed, and the Cox regression was performed to explore the underlying factors. Results A total of 186 oncology approvals were included. More than half of the approvals qualified for reimbursement (110[59.14%]), and the median reimbursement decision speed was accelerated from 540.5 days in the third-round negotiation to 448 days in the seventh-round. Domestic new drugs had a higher probability of being adopted by the Chinese payer than drugs developed by foreign companies (adjusted HR = 3.73, 95% CI 2.42 to 5.75; P < 0.001). Furthermore, new drug applications receiving the regular review pathway were more likely to be reimbursed (adjusted HR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.13 to 4.08; P = 0.020) compared to those approved under the conditional approval pathway. Discussion These findings indicate that the Chinese government is actively working toward improving access to new oncology drugs. The faster reimbursement decision speed for domestic drugs might be attributed to their pricing advantages and the regulator's efforts to stimulate innovation in the domestic pharmaceutical industry. However, concerns about the uncertainty in drug benefits can affect the reimbursement decision-making, which suggests the delicate tradeoff between drug accessibility and risk involved in the reimbursement process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyue Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy Administration, School of Medicine and Health Management, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yang Chen
- The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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19
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Agarwal P, Bloom J, Zhou Y, Zhao R, Huang S, Yajima M, Devaiah AK. Socioeconomic disparities in treatment and survival in patients with hypopharyngeal malignancy. Head Neck 2023; 45:2670-2679. [PMID: 37638612 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This retrospective study utilizes The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database to investigate socioeconomic factors leading to treatment disparities in hypopharyngeal malignancy. METHODS Treatment was compared to National Cancer Care Network guidelines. Novel analyses, including logistic modeling, allowed survival analysis and identification of socioeconomic variables not previously considered in staging and management guidelines. RESULTS Black and older patients, and residence in low-income areas predict lower likelihood of standard therapy (p < 0.05). Early-stage disease and standard therapy correlate with improved survival (p < 0.001). Medicaid, advanced age, advanced disease, and treatment outside of consensus guidelines correlated with lower survival (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS There are clear socioeconomic factors impacting treatment and survival in hypopharyngeal malignancies. Standard therapy affords superior survival rate. Black, low socioeconomic status, and older patients are less likely to receive standard therapy. Education and language isolation do not predict treatment or survival. Understanding these discrepancies is paramount to palliating disparities in healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratima Agarwal
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jacob Bloom
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Runqi Zhao
- Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Simu Huang
- Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Anand K Devaiah
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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20
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Vaidya R, Unger JM, Qian L, Minichiello K, Herbst RS, Gandara DR, Neal JW, Leal TA, Patel JD, Dragnev KH, Waqar SN, Edelman MJ, Sigal EV, Adam SJ, Malik S, Blanke CD, LeBlanc ML, Kelly K, Gray JE, Redman MW. Representativeness of Patients Enrolled in the Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP). JCO Precis Oncol 2023; 7:e2300218. [PMID: 37677122 PMCID: PMC10581630 DOI: 10.1200/po.23.00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP), a public-private partnership, established infrastructure for conducting a biomarker-driven master protocol in molecularly targeted therapies. We compared characteristics of patients enrolled in Lung-MAP with those of patients in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) trials to examine if master protocols improve trial access. METHODS We examined patients enrolled in Lung-MAP (2014-2020) according to sociodemographic characteristics. Proportions for characteristics were compared with those for a set of advanced NSCLC trials (2001-2020) and the US advanced NSCLC population using SEER registry data (2014-2018). Characteristics of patients enrolled in Lung-MAP treatment substudies were examined in subgroup analysis. Two-sided tests of proportions at an alpha of .01 were used for all comparisons. RESULTS A total of 3,556 patients enrolled in Lung-MAP were compared with 2,215 patients enrolled in other NSCLC studies. Patients enrolled in Lung-MAP were more likely to be 65 years and older (57.2% v 46.3%; P < .0001), from rural areas (17.3% v 14.4%; P = .004), and from socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods (42.2% v 36.7%, P < .0001), but less likely to be female (38.6% v 47.2%; P < .0001), Asian (2.8% v 5.1%; P < .0001), or Hispanic (2.4% v 3.8%; P = .003). Among patients younger than 65 years, Lung-MAP enrolled more patients using Medicaid/no insurance (27.6% v 17.8%; P < .0001). Compared with the US advanced NSCLC population, Lung-MAP under represented patients 65 years and older (57.2% v 69.8%; P < .0001), females (38.6% v 46.0%; P < .0001), and racial or ethnic minorities (14.8% v 21.5%; P < .0001). CONCLUSION Master protocols may improve access to trials using novel therapeutics for older patients and socioeconomically vulnerable patients compared with conventional trials, but specific patient exclusion criteria influenced demographic composition. Further research examining participation barriers for under represented racial or ethnic minorities in precision medicine clinical trials is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riha Vaidya
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- SWOG Statistics and Data Management Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Joseph M. Unger
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- SWOG Statistics and Data Management Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Lu Qian
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Katherine Minichiello
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- SWOG Statistics and Data Management Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jyoti D. Patel
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | | | | | - Martin J. Edelman
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Stacey J. Adam
- Foundations for the National Institutes of Health, North Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Charles D. Blanke
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Michael L. LeBlanc
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- SWOG Statistics and Data Management Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Karen Kelly
- UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA
| | | | - Mary W. Redman
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- SWOG Statistics and Data Management Center, Seattle, WA
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21
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Li B, Gatsonis C, Dahabreh IJ, Steingrimsson JA. Estimating the area under the ROC curve when transporting a prediction model to a target population. Biometrics 2023; 79:2382-2393. [PMID: 36385607 PMCID: PMC10188769 DOI: 10.1111/biom.13796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We propose methods for estimating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of a prediction model in a target population that differs from the source population that provided the data used for original model development. If covariates that are associated with model performance, as measured by the AUC, have a different distribution in the source and target populations, then AUC estimators that only use data from the source population will not reflect model performance in the target population. Here, we provide identification results for the AUC in the target population when outcome and covariate data are available from the sample of the source population, but only covariate data are available from the sample of the target population. In this setting, we propose three estimators for the AUC in the target population and show that they are consistent and asymptotically normal. We evaluate the finite-sample performance of the estimators using simulations and use them to estimate the AUC in a nationally representative target population from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for a lung cancer risk prediction model developed using source population data from the National Lung Screening Trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | - Issa J. Dahabreh
- CAUSALab, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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22
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Kilic S, Zhao J, Okut H, Jani CT, Radwan A, Dudipala H, Burns L, Tapan U. Disparities in US Lung Cancer Clinical Trial Enrollment. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01776-2. [PMID: 37651069 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01776-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disparities within clinical trial enrollment are well-documented, reducing the generalizability of results. Although nearly 30 years have passed since Congress passed the NIH Revitalization Act to encourage the participation of minoritized populations in clinical trials, these patients continue to be underrepresented. This study aimed to investigate lung cancer clinical trial enrollment disparities for race/ethnicity, sex, and age. METHODS We queried the National Institutes of Health: US National Library of Medicine database of clinical trials for all US-based lung cancer clinical trials completed between 2004 and 2021 and collected data on race and ethnicity, gender, and age breakdown. This data was compared to Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database data. Independent sample t-tests and Kruskal-Wallis's approach were used to analyze the data. RESULTS Of 311 eligible trials with exclusive US enrollment, 136 (44%) reported race and ethnicity breakdown for the patient cohort representing 9869 patients. Hispanic, Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native, Non-Hispanic Black, and Non-Hispanic Unreported participants were underrepresented (p = 0.001, p = 0.005, p = 0.014, p = 0.002, respectively). Non-Hispanic White participants were overrepresented (p = 0.018). Disparities worsened from 2017 to 2021 for Hispanic patients (p = 0.03). No significant differences were found for sex or age. CONCLUSIONS Disparities for clinical lung cancer trial enrollment have not shown statistically significant improvement since 2004, and representation remains unequal, especially for racial and ethnic minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyda Kilic
- School of Arts and Sciences, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Jenny Zhao
- Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hayrettin Okut
- Kansas University School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Chinmay T Jani
- Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Amr Radwan
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Harshitha Dudipala
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura Burns
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Umit Tapan
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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23
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Chow PI, Sheffield C, Cohn WF. Evaluating the impact of patients' psychological and physical problems on their interest in participating in research at a cancer center with a rural catchment area. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 131:107245. [PMID: 37257725 PMCID: PMC10527526 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer patients' participation in research trials is essential to improving their care and treatment. In a large sample of adults recently diagnosed with cancer, the aim of the current study is to investigate the relationship between cancer patients' interest in research and the psychological and physical problems they experience resulting from their cancer diagnosis. METHOD We analyzed data from 906 cancer patients collected during routine clinical care. Correlational analyses focused on the relationship between patients' psychological and physical problems and their interest in research. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analyses tested whether patients' psychological/physical problems as a block predicted their interest in research, above and beyond their sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS Higher levels of patients' anxiety, fear of cancer treatment, difficulty managing emotions, worry, suicidal/homicidal ideation, fatigue, problems related to physical appearance, sleep difficulty, and changes to weight/appetite, were associated with a greater interest in research. Patients' psychological/physical problems, as a block, incrementally predicted their interest in research (Δχ2 = 24.34, df = 14, p = .04, Δr2=0.05), though none of the individual psychological/physical problems were found to be significant predictors. A higher level of education was significantly positively associated with an increased likelihood of being interested in research (OR = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.09, 1.46, p = .001). CONCLUSION Cancer patients' problems stemming from their diagnosis can be important factors in their decision to participate in research. Depending on the needs of the trial in question, researchers may want to account for patients' level of symptom burden in deciding who to approach for enrollment in a research trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip I Chow
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - Christina Sheffield
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA; University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Wendy F Cohn
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Hage S, Hagan M, Bi D, Stadnik A, Lee J, Romanos S, Srinath A, Shenkar R, Lee C, Horowitz PM, Girard R, Awad IA. Impact of socioeconomics and race on clinical follow-up and trial enrollment and adherence in cerebral cavernous malformation. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 32:107167. [PMID: 37146402 PMCID: PMC10201538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) affects more than a million Americans but advanced care for symptomatic lesions and access to research studies is largely limited to referral academic centers MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of CCM patients screened for research studies at an accredited center of excellence for CCM was analyzed. Demographics, lesion location, history of hemorrhage, insurance type and area of deprivation index (ADI) were collected. Primary outcomes were clinical follow-up within a year from initial evaluation, and enrollment and adherence in clinical trials among eligible subjects RESULTS: A majority (52.8%) of CCM patients evaluated had a high socioeconomic status (SES) (ADI 1-3), and only 11.5% were African American. Patients who had a symptomatic bleed were more likely to follow-up (p=0.01), and those with brainstem lesion were more likely to enroll/adhere in a clinical trial (p=0.02). Rates of clinical follow-up were similar across different ADI groups, insurance coverage and race. Patients who were uninsured/self-paying, and African Americans were more likely to decline/drop from clinical trials (OR 2.4, 95% CI 0.46-10.20 and OR 2.2, 95% CI 0.33-10.75, respectively), but differences were not statistically significant CONCLUSIONS: Access of disadvantaged patients to center of excellence care and research remains limited despite geographic proximity to their community. Patients with lower SES and African Americans are as likely to follow-up clinically, but there were trends of differences in enrollment/adherence in clinical trials. Mitigation efforts should target systemic causes of low access to specialized care among uninsured and African American patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Hage
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Matthew Hagan
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Dehua Bi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Agnieszka Stadnik
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Justine Lee
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Sharbel Romanos
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Abhinav Srinath
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Robert Shenkar
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Cornelia Lee
- Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformations, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
| | - Peleg M Horowitz
- Neurotrauma Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Romuald Girard
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Issam A Awad
- Neurovascular Surgery Program, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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25
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Rodriguez DK, Hewage SA, Periyakoil VS. Factors affecting the recruitment of Hispanic/Latinx American older adults in clinical trials in the United States: A scoping review. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:1974-1991. [PMID: 37013348 PMCID: PMC10258132 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Participation of Hispanic/Latinx American older adults (HLAOA) in clinical trials is fundamental to health equity in aging research. However, information on strategies for the successful recruitment of this population in clinical trials is limited. DESIGN This scoping review aims to identify hindering and facilitating factors that impact the recruitment of HLAOA in clinical trials in the United States. METHODS Two databases (PubMed, EMBASE) were searched for original research articles from inception until March 2022 reporting on factors that engaged HLAoa (≥65) in clinical trials. One thousand and thirteen studies were scrutinized to identify 31 eligible articles. RESULTS Most articles were from cancer clinical trials (14 studies). Hindering factors that impacted the recruitment of HLAoa in clinical trials were related to (i) study design and logistics challenges, (ii) challenges imposed by social determinants of health, (iii) communication barriers, and (iv) patients' mistrust, and (v) family issues. Facilitating factors include (i) effective modes of outreach, (ii) strategic clinical trial design, (iii) incorporating culturally-respectful approaches that are tailored to the participants' sociocultural background, and (iv) bridging language barriers. CONCLUSIONS Successful recruitment of HLAOA into clinical trials requires identifying the study question, co-designing the trial design, implementation, and evaluation in respectful collaboration with the Hispanic/Latinx community with careful attention to their needs and minimizing the study burden on this vulnerable population. Factors identified here may guide researchers to better understand the needs of HLAOA and successfully recruit them into clinical trials, leading to more equitable research that increases their representation in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce K Rodriguez
- Stanford Aging and Ethnogeriatrics Transdisciplinary Collaborative Research Center, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Sumali A Hewage
- Stanford Aging and Ethnogeriatrics Transdisciplinary Collaborative Research Center, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Vyjeyanthi S Periyakoil
- Stanford Aging and Ethnogeriatrics Transdisciplinary Collaborative Research Center, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
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26
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Patel MA, Shah JL, Brinley FJ, Abrahamse PH, Veenstra CM, Schott AF. Investigating potential disparities in clinical trial eligibility and enrollment at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. Cancer Med 2023. [PMID: 37151163 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although barriers to trial accrual are well-reported, few studies have explored trial eligibility and trial offers as potential drivers of disparities in cancer clinical trial enrollment. METHODS We identified patients with gastrointestinal (GI) or head/neck (HN) malignancies who were seen as new patients at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center in 2016. By exhaustive review of the electronic medical record, we assessed the primary outcomes: (1) eligibility for, (2) documented offer of, and (3) enrollment in a clinical trial. All 41 of the clinical trials available to these patients were considered. Independent variables included clinical and non-clinical patient-related factors. We assessed associations between these variables and the primary outcomes using multivariable regression. RESULTS Of 1446 patients, 43% were female, 15% were over age 75, 6% were Black. 305 (21%) patients were eligible for a clinical trial. Among eligible patients, 154 (50%) had documentation of a trial offer and 90 (30%) enrolled. Among the GI cohort, bivariate analyses demonstrated that older age was associated with decreased trial eligibility. Bivariate analyses also demonstrated that Black race was associated with increased trial offer. After adjustment, patients 75 or older were less likely to be eligible for a clinical trial in the GI cohort; however, we found no significant associations between race and any of the outcomes after adjustment. Among eligible GI patients, we found no significant associations between non-clinical factors and enrollment. Among the HN cohort, bivariate analyses demonstrated that female sex, older age, Black race, and unpartnered marital status were associated with decreased likelihood of trial offer; however, we found no significant associations between race, age, and marital status and any of the outcomes after adjustment. We found no significant associations between non-clinical factors and eligibility after adjustment; however, women were less likely to be offered and to enroll in a clinical trial in the HN cohort. CONCLUSION Factors associated with eligibility, documented offer, and enrollment differed between disease site cohorts at our institution. Future work is needed to ensure the equitable inclusion of women and elderly patients in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica A Patel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology, and Palliative Care, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jennifer L Shah
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Paul H Abrahamse
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Christine M Veenstra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Anne F Schott
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Boisvert-Huneault C, Trigos Herraez D, Pinter A, Kobayashi S, Bell S, Kallsen K, Gloede T, Yagi N, Brunette S, Datsenko Y, Baehner F, Clerisme-Beaty E, Van de Kerkhof P. Understanding potential participation barriers to improve trial design and outcomes: clinical trial simulation in palmoplantar pustulosis as a case study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e064159. [PMID: 37094891 PMCID: PMC10151841 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evaluate the experiences and perceptions of patients participating in a simulated clinical trial and identify ways to enhance future patient-centric trial designs. DESIGN International, multicentre, non-interventional, virtual clinical trial visits with patient debriefs and advisory boards. SETTING Virtual clinic visits and accompanying advisory boards. PARTICIPANTS Nine patients with palmoplantar pustulosis for simulated trial visits; 14 patients and patient representatives for advisory boards. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Qualitative responses to trial documentation, visit schedule and logistics, and trial design were collected during patient debriefs. Results were discussed at two virtual advisory board meetings. RESULTS Patients identified key barriers to participation and potential difficulties encountered when attending trial visits and completing assessments. They also proposed recommendations to overcome these challenges. Patients recognised the need for comprehensive informed consent forms, but recommended use of non-technical language, brevity and additional support to aid understanding. Other trial documentations should be relevant to the disease and include known efficacy and safety of the study drug. Patients were concerned about receiving placebo, stopping existing medications and being unable to receive the study drug after trial completion; therefore, patients and physicians recommended an open-label extension following trial completion. Trial visits were too numerous (n=20) and too long (3-4 hours each); patients recommended improvements to the design to make best use of their time and reduce unnecessary waiting. They also requested financial and logistical support. Patients expressed a desire for study outcomes that matter to them, related to their ability to undertake normal daily activities and not be a burden to others. CONCLUSIONS Simulated trials are an innovative method for assessing trial design and acceptance from a patient-centric perspective, enabling specific improvements to be made prior to trial initiation. Incorporation of recommendations from simulated trials could enhance trial recruitment and retention, and optimise trial outcomes and data quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Trigos Herraez
- EUROPSO, European Umbrella Federation for Psoriasis Associations, Polzela, Slovenia
| | - Andreas Pinter
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Satomi Kobayashi
- Department of Dermatology, Seibo International Catholic Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Stacie Bell
- National Psoriasis Foundation, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Tristan Gloede
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Steven Brunette
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc, Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yakov Datsenko
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Biberach, Germany
| | - Frank Baehner
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim, Germany
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Wang WJ, Bansal A, Bennette CS, Basu A. Mimicking Clinical Trials Using Real-World Data: A Novel Method and Applications. Med Decis Making 2023; 43:275-287. [PMID: 36511448 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x221141381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Simulating individual-level trial data when only summary data are available is often useful for meta-analysis, forming external control arms and calibrating trial results to real-world data (RWD). The joint distribution of baseline characteristics in a trial is usually simulated by combining its summary data with RWD's correlations. However, RWD correlations may not be a perfect proxy for the trial. A misspecified correlation structure could bias any analysis in which the outcomes generating models are nonlinear or include effect modifiers. METHODS We developed an iterative algorithm using copula and resampling, which was based on the estimated propensity score for the likelihood of enrollment in a trial given participants' characteristics. Validation was performed using Monte Carlo simulations under different scenarios in which the marginal and joint distributions of covariates differ between trial samples and RWD. Two applications were illustrated using an actual trial and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data. We calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) to assess the generalizability of the trial and explored the feasibility of generating an external control by applying a parametric Weibull model trained in RWD to predict survival in the simulated trial cohort. RESULTS Across all scenarios, approximated correlations derived from the algorithm were closer to the true correlations than the RWD's correlations. The algorithm also successfully reproduced the joint distribution of characteristics for the actual trial. A similar SMD was observed using simulated data and individual-level trial data. The 95% confidence intervals were overlapped between adjusted survival estimates from the simulated trial and actual trial Kaplan-Meier estimates. CONCLUSIONS The algorithm could be a feasible way to simulate individual-level data when only summary data are available. Further research is needed to validate our approach with larger sample sizes. HIGHLIGHTS The correlation structure is crucial to building the joint distribution of patient characteristics, and a misspecified correlation structure could potentially influence predicted outcomes.An iterative algorithm was developed to approximate a trial's correlation structure using published summary trial data and real-world data.The algorithm could be a feasible way to simulate individual-level trial data when only trial summary data are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jhih Wang
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aasthaa Bansal
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Caroline Savage Bennette
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anirban Basu
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Economics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Riggan KA, Rousseau A, Halyard M, James SE, Kelly M, Phillips D, Allyse MA. "There's not enough studies": Views of black breast and ovarian cancer patients on research participation. Cancer Med 2023; 12:8767-8776. [PMID: 36647342 PMCID: PMC10134334 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black breast and ovarian cancer patients are underrepresented in clinical cancer trials disproportionate to the prevalence of these cancers in Black females. Historically, lower enrollment has been attributed to individualized factors, including medical mistrust, but more recently structural factors, including systemic racism, have received additional scrutiny. We interviewed Black women with a personal or family history of breast and ovarian cancer to understand their views and experiences related to research participation. METHODS Qualitative interviews were conducted via telephone or video conference and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were qualitatively analyzed for iterative themes related to the offer and participation in cancer clinical trials and research studies, impact on cancer care, and recommendations to increase enrollment of Black patients. RESULTS Sixty-one Black women completed an interview. Participants expressed that Black women are underrepresented in cancer research, and that this negatively impacted their own care. Many cited past historical abuses, including the Tuskegee syphilis trial, as a potential factor for lower enrollment but suggested that lower enrollment was better understood in the context of the entirety of their healthcare experiences, including present-day examples of patient mistreatment or dismissal. Participants suggested that proactive community engagement, transparency, and increased representation of Black research team members were strategies likely to foster trust and bolster research participation. CONCLUSION(S) Medical mistrust is only a partial factor in the lower participation of Black patients in cancer research. Researchers should implement the strategies identified by our participants to promote diverse enrollment and ensure that Black patients are included in future therapeutic advances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abigail Rousseau
- Biomedical Ethics Research ProgramMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Michele Halyard
- Department of Radiation OncologyMayo ClinicPhoenixArizonaUSA
- Coalition of Blacks Against Breast CancerPhoenixArizonaUSA
- ADVANCE Community Advisory BoardPhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - Sarah E. James
- Department of Radiation OncologyMayo ClinicPhoenixArizonaUSA
- Coalition of Blacks Against Breast CancerPhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - Marion Kelly
- Coalition of Blacks Against Breast CancerPhoenixArizonaUSA
- ADVANCE Community Advisory BoardPhoenixArizonaUSA
- Department of Community EngagementMayo ClinicScottsdaleArizonaUSA
| | - Daphne Phillips
- ADVANCE Community Advisory BoardPhoenixArizonaUSA
- Department of Speech PathologyMayo ClinicPhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - Megan A. Allyse
- Biomedical Ethics Research ProgramMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
- Department of Obstetrics & GynecologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
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Martinez-Hollingsworth A, Hernández J, Edwards C, Partlow K. Pintura Mural para Recolectar Datos Sensibilizantes y Fomentar la Participación en la Investigación Entre los Latinos de EE. UU. Health Promot Pract 2023:15248399231156609. [PMID: 36946624 DOI: 10.1177/15248399231156609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Proposito. Describir una intervención de murales implementadas con comunidad envecindarios Latinos para elevar conciencia de barreras delreclutamiento/retención de Latinos en EE. UU. en la investigación clínica,y aumentar acceso de los investigadores a conceptos de sensibilización críticos para el riguroso diseño de estudios. Fondo. Latinos en EE. UU. sufren desproporcionada de varias enfermedadescrónicas, pero son subrepresentados como investigadores y participantesen investigaciones financiadas por Institutos Nacionales de Salud. Faltade representación inhibe conciencia de necesidades Latinas para la saludy obstaculiza esfuerzos para abordar la falta de equidad en comunidadesdiversas. Las intervenciones de arte en comunidades Latinas siguensiendo reconocidas por capacidad a cerrar brechas e incrementar lacalidad y cantidad de asociaciones de investigación entre investigadores y Latinos. Método. Este artículo describe una intervención de murales puesta a prueba endos vecindarios mayormente Latinos entre 2016 y 2020. El método deldiseño fue guiado por prácticas de investigación participativas con lacomunidad enfocadas en Evaluación-Diagnóstico Planificación- Implementación-Evaluación. Resultados. Los murales abordaron muchos desafíos de participación que a menudo se asocian con la subrepresentación de los Latinos en la investigación académica y permitió entrevistas de sensibilización con miembros clave de la comunidad sobre temas de interés para investigación. Conclusión. Los métodos de investigación que reconocen las formas de arte tradicionales, como murales, crean espacio para generar confianza e iniciar interés en la participación en investigaciones, y aumentan acceso.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne Martinez-Hollingsworth
- Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Operations & Scholarship in the College of Nursing, Samuel Merritt University, Oakland, CA
- Assistant Project Scientist, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Cristina Edwards
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Keosha Partlow
- Director of the Urban Health Institute, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Hass A, Guzman JCA, Feuerstein MA. Interventions to improve access to clinical trials in urologic oncology. Can Urol Assoc J 2023; 17:E67-E74. [PMID: 36473478 PMCID: PMC10027356 DOI: 10.5489/cuaj.8011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Most cancer patients are never enrolled in clinical trials, resulting in missed potential therapeutic benefits to patients and barriers to drug development and approval. With a focus on urologic oncology clinical trials, we reviewed the current literature on barriers to accrual and present effective interventions to overcome these barriers. METHODS PubMed was searched for articles regarding physician referral and patient accrual to clinical trials in urologic oncology from January 2000 through June 2021. Studies were included if they were in English, related to clinical trial utilization or patient accrual in urologic oncology, peer-reviewed, primary research, survey, or systematic review, and pertained to clinical trials in the U.S. Major overlapping themes related to barriers to accrual and effective interventions were identified. RESULTS Thirty-six studies met our inclusion criteria. Barriers fall into three categories: 1) provider; 2) patient; or 3) structural. Provider barriers include issues such as poor funding, logistical challenges, and time constraints. Patient barriers include cost, distrust of medical institutions, and lack of knowledge regarding ongoing studies. Structural barriers include lack of time and resources in community settings and difficulty with physician referrals. Effective strategies identified include increasing provider referrals through continuing education and referral pathways, increasing patient education through patient-centered marketing material, and decreasing structural barriers through patient navigation programs and community partnerships. CONCLUSIONS We identified barriers and potential multipronged strategies targeted at patients, providers, and practices to increase clinical trial enrollment. We hope these strategies will benefit patients and providers and facilitate research development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Hass
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan C A Guzman
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States
- Department of Urology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, United States
| | - Michael A Feuerstein
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States
- Department of Urology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, United States
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Challenges to Recruiting Men on Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer in Clinical Chemoprevention Trials. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041257. [PMID: 36831597 PMCID: PMC9954186 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials play a critical role in evidence-based medicine, when rigorous scientific methodology is utilized to discover and test the effectiveness and safety of new drugs to prevent or cure diseases, including cancer. Participation in clinical trials thus becomes key to successful completion of these trials. Although it is estimated that >70% of Americans are inclined to participate in clinical trials, less than 5% of adult cancer patients participate in clinical trials. There is thus a large gap between those inclined to participate in clinical trials and actual participation in clinical trials. As with trials targeting men with prostate cancer (PCa) on active surveillance (AS), where the target population is mostly over 50 years of age, others have observed several challenges with recruitment and accrual in clinical trials. The participation rate is currently unavailable for men on primary and secondary chemoprevention trials. Additionally, with unanticipated environmental factors such as a pandemic or other natural emergencies that may severely impact the economy, personal property, travel and person-to person contact for study-related procedures, there is a need to continuously identify these challenges and determine solutions to recruitment barriers in chemoprevention trials to ensure timely completion of early phase trials. Recent studies regarding the impact of the pandemic on clinical trial recruitment have shown that cancer prevention trials were relatively more negatively impacted compared to cancer treatment trials. The goal of this manuscript is to review our experience in continuously evaluating the protocol and patient level challenges to recruiting subjects on AS for PCa in this cancer chemoprevention trial conducted at the Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) and report the contemporary strategies that we are utilizing to continue to recruit subjects in this trial. We provide data from our current trial as an example while discussing future strategies to improve overall clinical trial recruitment. These strategies can inform future design of contemporary cancer chemoprevention trials and, additionally, better select, focus and invest in strategies that are the most productive and efficient for recruiting target populations.
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Shi JJ, Lei X, Chen YS, Chavez-MacGregor M, Bloom E, Schlembach P, Shaitelman SF, Buchholz TA, Kaiser K, Ku K, Smith BD, Smith GL. Socioeconomic Barriers to Randomized Clinical Trial Retention in Patients Treated With Adjuvant Radiation for Early-Stage Breast Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 116:122-131. [PMID: 36724858 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Socioeconomic barriers contribute to breast cancer clinical trial enrollment disparities. We sought to identify whether socioeconomic disadvantage also is associated with decreased trial retention. METHODS AND MATERIALS We performed a secondary analysis of 253 (of 287) patients enrolled in a randomized phase 3 trial of conventionally fractionated versus hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation. The outcome of trial retention versus dropout was defined primarily based on whether the patient completed breast cosmesis outcomes assessment at 3-year follow-up, and secondarily, at 5-year follow-up. Associations of retention with severity of socioeconomic disadvantage, quantified by patients' home neighborhood area deprivation index (ADI) rank (1 [least] to 100 [most deprivation]), were tested using the Kruskal-Wallis test and multivariate logistic regression. Associations of retention with patients' use of social resource assistance were analyzed using the χ2 test. RESULTS In total, 21.7% (n = 55) of patients dropped out by 3 years and 36.7% (n = 92) by 5 years. Median ADI was 36.5 (interquartile range, 22-57) for retained and 46.0 (interquartile range, 29-60) for dropout patients. Dropout was associated with more severe socioeconomic deprivation (ADI ≥45 vs <45) at 3 years (odds ratio, 3.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.62-8.15; P = .002) and 5 years (odds ratio, 2.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-4.76; P = .003). While on study, patients who ultimately dropped out were more likely to require resource assistance for practical (transportation, housing, financial) than psychological needs (distress, grief) or advance care planning (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS In this study, ADI was associated with disparities in clinical trial retention of patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant radiation treatment. Results suggest that developing multidimensional interventions that extend beyond routine social determinants needs screening are needed, not only to enhance initial clinical trial access and enrollment but also to enable robust long-term retention of socioeconomically disadvantaged patients and improve the validity and generalizability of reported long-term trial clinical and patient-reported outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia J Shi
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Xiudong Lei
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | - Elizabeth Bloom
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | | | - Kelsey Kaiser
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Kimberly Ku
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Grace L Smith
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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Chirinos JD, Turco IS, Di Fenza R, Gianni S, Larson GM, Swingle JF, Akeju O, Berra L. Patient hesitancy in perioperative clinical trial enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279643. [PMID: 36649289 PMCID: PMC9844839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused tremendous disruptions to non-COVID-19 clinical research. However, there has been little investigation on how patients themselves have responded to clinical trial recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic. To investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on rates of patient consent to enrollment into non-COVID-19 clinical trials, we carried out a cross-sectional study using data from the Nitric Oxide/Acute Kidney Injury (NO/AKI) and Minimizing ICU Neurological Dysfunction with Dexmedetomidine-Induced Sleep (MINDDS) trials. All patients eligible for the NO/AKI or MINDDS trials who came to the hospital for cardiac surgery and were approached to gain consent to enrollment were included in the current study. We defined "Before COVID-19" as the time between the start of the relevant clinical trial and the date when efforts toward that clinical trial were deescalated by the hospital due to COVID-19. We defined "During COVID-19" as the time between trial de-escalation and trial completion. 5,015 patients were screened for eligibility. 3,851 were excluded, and 1,434 were approached to gain consent to enrollment. The rate of consent to enrollment was 64% in the "Before COVID-19" group and 45% in the "During COVID-19" group (n = 1,334, P<0.001) (RR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.80, P<0.001). Thus, we found that rates of consent to enrollment into the NO/AKI and MINDDS trials dropped significantly with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient demographic and socioeconomic status data collected from electronic medical records and patient survey data did not shed light on possible explanations for this observed drop, indicating that there were likely other factors at play that were not directly measured in the current study. Increased patient hesitancy to enroll in clinical trials can have detrimental effects on clinical science, patient health, and patient healthcare experience, so understanding and addressing this issue during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josue D. Chirinos
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Isabella S. Turco
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Raffaele Di Fenza
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Stefano Gianni
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Grant M. Larson
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Joseph F. Swingle
- Department of Sociology, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Oluwaseun Akeju
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lorenzo Berra
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Respiratory Care Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Buffenstein I, Kaneakua B, Taylor E, Matsunaga M, Choi SY, Carrazana E, Viereck J, Liow KK, Ghaffari-Rafi A. Demographic recruitment bias of adults in United States randomized clinical trials by disease categories between 2008 to 2019: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:42. [PMID: 36593228 PMCID: PMC9807581 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23664-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
To promote health equity within the United States (US), randomized clinical trials should strive for unbiased representation. Thus, there is impetus to identify demographic disparities overall and by disease category in US clinical trial recruitment, by trial phase, level of masking, and multi-center status, relative to national demographics. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov, between 01/01/2008 to 12/30/2019. Clinical trials (N = 5,388) were identified based on the following inclusion criteria: study type, location, phase, and participant age. Each clinical trial was independently screened by two researchers. Data was pooled using a random-effects model. Median proportions for gender, race, and ethnicity of each trial were compared to the 2010 US Census proportions, matched by age. A second analysis was performed comparing gender, race, and ethnicity proportions by trial phase, multi-institutional status, quality, masking, and study start year. 2977 trials met inclusion criteria (participants, n = 607,181) for data extraction. 36% of trials reported ethnicity and 53% reported race. Three trials (0.10%) included transgender participants (n = 5). Compared with 2010 US Census data, females (48.3%, 95% CI 47.2-49.3, p < 0.0001), Hispanics (11.6%, 95% CI 10.8-12.4, p < 0.0001), American Indians and Alaskan Natives (AIAN, 0.19%, 95% CI 0.15-0.23, p < 0.0001), Asians (1.27%, 95% CI 1.13-1.42, p < 0.0001), Whites (77.6%, 95% CI 76.4-78.8, p < 0.0001), and multiracial participants (0.25%, 95% CI 0.21-0.31, p < 0.0001) were under-represented, while Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (0.76%, 95% CI 0.71-0.82, p < 0.0001) and Blacks (17.0%, 95% CI 15.9-18.1, p < 0.0001) were over-represented. Inequitable representation was mirrored in analysis by phase, institutional status, quality assessment, and level of masking. Between 2008 to 2019 representation improved for only females and Hispanics. Analysis stratified by 44 disease categories (i.e., psychiatric, obstetric, neurological, etc.) exhibited significant yet varied disparities, with Asians, AIAN, and multiracial individuals the most under-represented. These results demonstrate disparities in US randomized clinical trial recruitment between 2008 to 2019, with the reporting of demographic data and representation of most minorities not having improved over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Buffenstein
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 651 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Bree Kaneakua
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 651 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Emily Taylor
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 651 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Masako Matsunaga
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 651 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Biostatistics Core Facility, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 651 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - So Yung Choi
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 651 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Biostatistics Core Facility, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 651 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Enrique Carrazana
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 651 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
- Innovation and Translation Lab, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Hawai'i Pacific Neuroscience, 2230 Liliha St #104, Honolulu, HI, 96817, USA
| | - Jason Viereck
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 651 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
- Innovation and Translation Lab, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Hawai'i Pacific Neuroscience, 2230 Liliha St #104, Honolulu, HI, 96817, USA
| | - Kore Kai Liow
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 651 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
- Innovation and Translation Lab, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Hawai'i Pacific Neuroscience, 2230 Liliha St #104, Honolulu, HI, 96817, USA
| | - Arash Ghaffari-Rafi
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 651 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, 4301 X St., Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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Williams CP, Geiger AM, Norton WE, de Moor JS, Everson NS. Influence of Cost-Related Considerations on Clinical Trial Participation: Results from the 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). J Gen Intern Med 2022; 38:1200-1206. [PMID: 36451016 PMCID: PMC9713084 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07801-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People experiencing financial burden are underrepresented in clinical trials. OBJECTIVE Describe the prevalence of cost-related considerations influential to trial participation and their associations with person-level characteristics. DESIGN This cross-sectional study used and assessed how three cost-related considerations would influence the decision to participate in a hypothetical clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS A total of 3682 US adult respondents to the Health Information National Trends Survey MAIN MEASURES: Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression estimated associations between respondent characteristics and odds of reporting cost-related considerations as very influential to participation. KEY RESULTS Among 3682 respondents, median age was 48 (IQR 33-61). Most were non-Hispanic White (60%), living comfortably or getting by on their income (74%), with ≥ 1 medical condition (61%). Over half (55%) of respondents reported at least one cost-related consideration as very influential to trial participation, including if usual care was not covered by insurance (reported by 42%), payment for participation (24%), or support for participation (24%). Respondents who were younger (18-34 vs. ≥ 75, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.3, 95% CI 2.3-8.1), more educated (high school vs. <high school, aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-4.1), or with lower perceived income (having difficulty vs. living comfortably, aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-3.8) had higher odds of reporting any cost-related consideration as very influential to trial participation. Non-Hispanic Black vs. non-Hispanic White respondents had 29% lower odds (95% CI 0.5-0.9) of reporting any cost-related consideration as very influential to trial participation. CONCLUSIONS Cost-related considerations would influence many individuals' decisions to participate in a clinical trial, though prevalence of these concerns differed by respondent characteristics. Reducing financial barriers to trial participation may promote equitable trial access and greater trial enrollment diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney P Williams
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Ann M Geiger
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Wynne E Norton
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Janet S de Moor
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Nicole Senft Everson
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
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Martinez-Hollingsworth A, Hernández J, Edwards C, Partlow K. WITHDRAWN-Administrative Duplicate Publication: Mural Painting to Collect Sensitizing Data and Encourage Research Participation Among U.S. Latinos. Health Promot Pract 2022:15248399221125789. [PMID: 36367254 DOI: 10.1177/15248399221125789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To describe a mural-based intervention that can be implemented in partnership with community members in Latino neighborhoods in order to improve awareness of barriers to recruitment/retention of U.S. Latinos in clinical research, while augmenting researchers’ access to sensitizing concepts critical for rigorous study design. Background. Latinos in the United States suffer disproportionately from several chronic illnesses but are under-represented as researchers and participants in the National Institutes of Health–funded research. This lack of representation inhibits a nuanced awareness of the health needs of U.S. Latinos and hampers efforts to address a persistent lack of health equity among U.S. Latinos and other communities of color. Art-based interventions implemented in Latino communities are increasingly being recognized for their ability to bridge this gap and positively affect the quality and quantity of research partnerships between clinical researchers and U.S. Latinos. Method This article describes a mural-based intervention piloted in two predominantly Latino neighborhoods between 2016 and 2020. The design of this method was guided by community-partnered participatory research practices and involved an Assessment–Diagnosis–Planning–Implementation–Evaluation approach. Results Mural painting addressed many of the participation challenges often associated with under-representation of Latinos in academic research and allowed for sensitizing interviews with key community members surrounding topics of interest to the research team. Conclusion Research methods that acknowledge traditional art forms, such as mural painting, create a space for building trust and spark interest in future research participation, while augmenting researchers’ access to sensitizing concepts that may improve the cultural competence of future studies, projects, and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cristina Edwards
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Keosha Partlow
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Caston NE, Lalor F, Wall J, Sussell J, Patel S, Williams CP, Azuero A, Arend R, Liang MI, Rocque GB. Ineligible, Unaware, or Uninterested? Associations Between Underrepresented Patient Populations and Retention in the Pathway to Cancer Clinical Trial Enrollment. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:e1854-e1865. [PMID: 36178922 PMCID: PMC9653198 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer clinical trials can benefit current and future patients; however, Black patients, rural residents, and patients living in disadvantaged areas are often underrepresented. Using an adapted version of Unger and colleagues' model of the process of clinical trial enrollment, we evaluated the relationship between underrepresented patient populations and trial end points. METHODS This retrospective study included 512 patients with breast or ovarian cancer who were prescribed a therapeutic drug at the University of Alabama at Birmingham from January 2017 to February 2020. Patient eligibility was assessed using open clinical trials. We estimated odds ratios and 95% CIs using logistic regression models to examine the relationship between underrepresented patient populations and trial enrollment end points: eligibility, interest, offer, enrollment, and declining enrollment. RESULTS Of the patients in our sample, 27% were Black, 18% were rural residents, and 19% lived in higher disadvantaged neighborhoods. In adjusted models, each comparison group had similar odds of being eligible for a clinical trial. Black versus White patients had 0.40 times the odds of interest in clinical trials and 0.56 times the odds of enrollment. Patients living in areas of higher versus lower disadvantage had 0.46 times the odds of enrolling and 3.40 times the odds of declining enrollment when offered. CONCLUSION Eligibility did not drive clinical trial enrollment disparities in our sample; however, retention in the clinical trial enrollment process appears to vary by group. Additional work is needed to understand how interventions can be tailored to each population's specific needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E. Caston
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Fallon Lalor
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Jaclyn Wall
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | | | - Courtney P. Williams
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | - Rebecca Arend
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Margaret I. Liang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Gabrielle B. Rocque
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL
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Naqash AR, Moey MY, Cherie Tan XW, Laharwal M, Hill V, Moka N, Finnigan S, Murray J, Johnson DB, Moslehi JJ, Sharon E. Major Adverse Cardiac Events With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Pooled Analysis of Trials Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute-Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program. J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:3439-3452. [PMID: 35658474 PMCID: PMC10166352 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.00369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) because of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are infrequent immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that comprise a spectrum of cardiac toxicities with variable manifestations. ICI-related MACEs can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, hence the need to better define presentations of MACEs and their association with noncardiac irAEs in ICI-treated patients. METHODS We conducted a retrospective pooled analysis of MACE captured in the serious adverse events reporting database of the National Cancer Institute-Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program for National Cancer Institute-sponsored investigational clinical trials between June 2015 and December 2019. Patients were eligible if they had been treated with anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) alone or with additional anticancer therapies. RESULTS A total of 6,925 participants received anti-PD-(L)1-based therapies; 48% (n = 3,354) were treated with single-agent anti-PD-(L)1 therapy. Of 6,925 patients, 0.6% (n = 40) qualified as ICI-related MACE, with 77.5% (n = 31 of 40) being ≥ grade 3. Myocarditis accounted for 45% (n = 18 of 40) of total ICI-MACEs. Concurrent multisystem involvement with other noncardiac irAEs was seen in 65% (n = 26 of 40). Most patients with myocarditis (83%, n = 15 of 18) had one or more noncardiac irAEs associated. Incidence of MACE was higher with anti-PD-(L)1 + targeted therapies compared with anti-PD-(L)1 + anti-cytotoxic T-cell lymphocyte-4 combinations (2.1% v 0.9%, P = .08). There was a higher incidence of myocarditis with anti-PD-(L)1-based combination therapies versus single-agent anti-PD-(L)1 therapies (0.36%, n = 13 of 3,571 v 0.15%, n = 5 of 3,354, P = .08). Deaths related to myocarditis were identified in 22.5% (n = 4 of 18). All four patients who died had concurrent myositis. CONCLUSION Increasing patient and prescriber awareness in understanding patterns of ICI-MACE and associated noncardiac irAEs should be emphasized. Better characterization of the risk of MACE with the concurrent use of non-ICI-based anticancer therapies with anti-PD-(L)1 treatments is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Rafeh Naqash
- Developmental Therapeutics Clinic, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
- Medical Oncology/TSET Phase 1 Program, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - Melissa Y.Y. Moey
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Vidant Medical Center/East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Xiao-Wei Cherie Tan
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenbaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Vanessa Hill
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
| | | | - Shanda Finnigan
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - James Murray
- Technical Resources International, Inc, Bethesda, MD
| | - Douglas B. Johnson
- Division of Medical Oncology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Javid J. Moslehi
- Section of Cardio-Oncology & Immunology, Division of Cardiology and the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Elad Sharon
- Developmental Therapeutics Clinic, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
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Olson RE, Smith A, Huggett G, Good P, Dudley M, Hardy J. Using a qualitative sub-study to inform the design and delivery of randomised controlled trials on medicinal cannabis for symptom relief in patients with advanced cancer. Trials 2022; 23:752. [PMID: 36064621 PMCID: PMC9444122 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06691-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recruitment for randomised controlled trials in palliative care can be challenging; disease progression and terminal illness underpin high rates of attrition. Research into participant decision-making in medicinal cannabis randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is very limited. Nesting qualitative sub-studies within RCTs can identify further challenges to participation, informing revisions to study designs and recruitment practices. This paper reports on findings from a qualitative sub-study supporting RCTs of medicinal cannabis for symptom burden relief in patients with advanced cancer in one Australian city. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 48 patients with advanced cancer, eligible to participate in a medicinal cannabis RCT (n=28 who consented to participate in an RCT; n=20 who declined). An iterative and abductive approach to thematic analysis and data collection fostered exploration of barriers and enablers to participation. RESULTS Key enablers included participants' enthusiasm and expectations of medicinal cannabis as beneficial (to themselves and future patients) for symptom management, especially after exhausting currently approved options, and a safer alternative to opioids. Some believed medicinal cannabis to have anti-cancer effects. Barriers to participation were the logistical challenges of participating (especially due to driving restrictions and fatigue), reluctance to interfere with an existing care plan, cost, and concerns about receiving the placebo and the uncertainty of the benefit. Some declined due to concerns about side-effects or a desire to continue accessing cannabis independent of the study. CONCLUSIONS The findings support revisions to subsequent medicinal cannabis RCT study designs, namely, omitting a requirement that participants attend weekly hospital appointments. These findings highlight the value of embedding qualitative sub-studies into RCTs. While some challenges to RCT recruitment are universal, others are context (population, intervention, location) specific. A barrier to participation found in research conducted elsewhere-stigma-was not identified in the current study. Thus, findings have important implications for those undertaking RCTs in the rapidly developing context of medical cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Olson
- School of Social Science, The University of Queensland, Michie Building #9, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Alexandra Smith
- School of Social Science, The University of Queensland, Michie Building #9, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Georgie Huggett
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care Mater Health Services, Mater Research-University of Queensland, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Phillip Good
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care Mater Health Services, Mater Research-University of Queensland, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Palliative Care, St. Vincent's Private Hospital Brisbane, 411 Main Street, Kangaroo Point, QLD, Australia
| | - Morgan Dudley
- School of Social Science, The University of Queensland, Michie Building #9, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Janet Hardy
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care Mater Health Services, Mater Research-University of Queensland, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Stensland KD, Damschroder LJ, Sales AE, Schott AF, Skolarus TA. Envisioning clinical trials as complex interventions. Cancer 2022; 128:3145-3151. [PMID: 35766902 PMCID: PMC9378578 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Clinical trials are critical components of modern health care and infrastructure. Trials benefit society through scientific advancement and individual patients through trial participation. In fact, billions of dollars are spent annually in support of these benefits. Despite the massive investments, clinical trials often fail to accomplish their primary aims and trial enrollment rates remain low. Prior efforts to improve trial conduct and enrollment have had limited success, perhaps due to oversimplification of the complex, multilevel nature of trials. For these reasons, the authors propose applying implementation science to the clinical trials context. In this commentary, the authors posit clinical trials as complex, multilevel evidence-based interventions with significant societal and individual benefits yet with persistent gaps in implementation. An application of implementation science concepts to the clinical trials context as means to build common vocabulary and establish a platform for applying implementation science and practice to improve clinical trial conduct is introduced. Applying implementation science to the clinical trials context can augment improvement efforts and build capacity for better and more efficient evidence-based care for all patients and trial stakeholders throughout the clinical trials enterprise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian D. Stensland
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Department of Learning Health SciencesUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Laura J. Damschroder
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Anne E. Sales
- Department of Learning Health SciencesUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri and Department of Family and Community MedicineUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Anne F. Schott
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer CenterAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Ted A. Skolarus
- Dow Division of Health Services Research, Department of UrologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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Różyńska J. The ethical anatomy of payment for research participants. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2022; 25:449-464. [PMID: 35610403 PMCID: PMC9427899 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-022-10092-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to most publications on the ethics of paying research subjects, which start by identifying and analyzing major ethical concerns raised by the practice (in particular, risks of undue inducement and exploitation) and end with a set of-more or less well-justified-ethical recommendations for using payment schemes immune to these problems, this paper offers a systematic, principle-based ethical analysis of the practice. It argues that researchers have a prima facie moral obligation to offer payment to research subjects, which stems from the principle of social beneficence. This principle constitutes an ethical "spine" of the practice. Other ethical principles of research ethics (respect for autonomy, individual beneficence, and justice/fairness) make up an ethical "skeleton" of morally sound payment schemes by providing additional moral reasons for offering participants (1) recompense for reasonable expenses; and (2a) remuneration conceptualized as a reward for their valuable contribution, provided (i) it meets standards of equality, adequacy and non-exploitation, and (ii) it is not overly attractive (i.e., it does not constitute undue inducement for participation or retention, and does not encourage deceptive behaviors); or (2b) remuneration conceptualized as a market-driven price, provided (i) it is necessary and designed to help the study achieve its social and scientific goals, (ii) it does not reinforce wider social injustices and inequalities; (iii) it meets the requirement of non-exploitation; and (iv) it is not overly attractive. The principle of justice provides a strong ethical reason for not offering recompenses for lost wages (or loss of other reasonably expected profits).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Różyńska
- Center for Bioethics and Biolaw, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Warsaw, Krakowskie Przedmiescie 3, 00-047, Warsaw, Poland.
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Sidana S, Allmer C, Larson MC, Dueck A, Yost K, Warsame R, Thanarajasingam G, Cerhan JR, Paludo J, Rajkumar SV, Habermann TM, Nowakowski GS, Lin Y, Gertz MA, Witzig T, Dispenzieri A, Gonsalves WI, Ansell SM, Thompson CA, Kumar SK. Patient Experience in Clinical Trials: Quality of Life, Financial Burden, and Perception of Care in Patients With Multiple Myeloma or Lymphoma Enrolled on Clinical Trials Compared With Standard Care. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:e1320-e1333. [PMID: 35580285 PMCID: PMC9377715 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients' concerns regarding clinical trial (CT) participation include apprehension about side effects, quality of life (QoL), financial burden, and quality of care. METHODS We prospectively evaluated the experience of patients with multiple myeloma or lymphoma who were treated on CTs (CT group, n = 35) versus patients treated with standard approaches (non-CT group, n = 88) focusing on QoL, financial burden of care, and patients' perception of quality of care over a 1-year period. RESULTS There were no significant differences in any of the patient-reported outcomes in CT versus non-CT groups. We observed an initial decline in overall QoL in the first 3 months across both groups, driven primarily by physical and functional well-being. QoL gradually improved and was above baseline by month 12. Patients reported highest improvement in the functional well-being subdomain. Patients in both groups reported high satisfaction with the quality of care received, and there were no differences in overall satisfaction, communication with team, or access to care. At baseline, 16%-19% of patients reported financial burden, which increased to a peak of 33% in the CT group and to 49% in the non-CT group over the course of 1 year. There was no significant difference in financial burden in the two groups overall. Most of the patients reported getting all the care that was deemed medically necessary in both groups. However, a significant proportion of patients reported having to make other kinds of financial sacrifices because of their cancer (CT group: 33% of patients at baseline and 21%-40% over 1 year; non-CT group: 19% at baseline and 25%-36% over 1 year). CONCLUSION Patients treated on CTs reported comparable QoL and quality of care with the non-CT group. A high proportion of patients reported financial burden over time in both groups. Our findings can serve as a guide to educate patients regarding CT participation and highlight the need to address the significant financial burden experienced by patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Sidana
- Division of BMT and Cellular Therapy, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA,Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Cristine Allmer
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Melissa C. Larson
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Amylou Dueck
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | | | | | - James R. Cerhan
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Jonas Paludo
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | | | | | - Yi Lin
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shaji K. Kumar
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN,Shaji K. Kumar, MD, Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905; e-mail:
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Scarinci IC, Hansen B, Green BL, Sodeke SO, Price-Haywood EG, Kim YI. Willingness to participate in various nontherapeutic cancer research activities among urban and rural African American and Latinx healthy volunteers. Cancer Causes Control 2022; 33:1059-1069. [PMID: 35404020 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-022-01576-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Inclusion of racial/ethnic minorities in cancer research can reduce disparities in health outcomes; however, data regarding barriers and motivators to participation are sparse. This study assessed African American (AA) and Latinx healthy volunteers' perspectives regarding willingness to participate in noninvasive and invasive research activities. METHODS Using a 38-item questionnaire adapted from the Tuskegee Legacy Project Questionnaire, we assessed willingness to participate in 12 research activities, offering 27 possible barriers and 14 motivators. The sample was segmented into four subgroups by AA/Latinx and rural/urban. RESULTS Across five states and Puerto Rico, 533 participants completed questionnaires. Overall, participants were more willing to participate in noninvasive versus invasive procedures, although, all subgroups were willing to participate in research if asked. Rural AA were most willing to complete a survey or saliva sample, while rural Latinx were least willing. Urban AA were least willing to provide cheek swab, while rural counterparts were most willing. Self-benefit and benefit to others were among the top three motivators for all subgroups. Curiosity was a primary motivator for urban AA while obtaining health information motivated rural Latinx. Primary barriers included fears of side effects and being experimented on, lack of information, and lack of confidentiality. CONCLUSIONS Latinx and AAs are willing to participate in the continuum of nontherapeutic research activities suggesting their lack of participation may be related to not being asked. Inclusive enrollment may be achieved by assessing needs of participants during the design phase of a study in order to reduce barriers to participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel C Scarinci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 619 19th Street South, 10360F, Birmingham, Albama, 35249, USA.
| | - Barbara Hansen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 619 19th Street South, 10360F, Birmingham, Albama, 35249, USA
| | | | | | | | - Young-Il Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 619 19th Street South, 10360F, Birmingham, Albama, 35249, USA
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Pain D, Takvorian SU, Narayan V. Disparities in Clinical Care and Research in Renal Cell Carcinoma. KIDNEY CANCER 2022. [DOI: 10.3233/kca-220006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Disparities in cancer screening, prevention, therapy, clinical outcomes, and research are increasingly recognized and pervade all malignancies. In response, several cancer research and clinical care organizations have issued policy statements to acknowledge and address barriers to achieving health equity in cancer care. The increasingly specialized nature of oncology warrants a disease-focused appraisal of existing disparities and potential solutions. Although clear improvements in clinical outcomes have been recently observed for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), these improvements have not been equally shared across diverse populations. This review describes existing RCC cancer disparities and their potential contributing factors and discusses opportunities to improve health equity in clinical research for all patients with RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Pain
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Samuel U. Takvorian
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vivek Narayan
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Sandhu VK, Duro T, Kamboj A, Salto L, Chiruvolu N. Barriers to Enrollment in Rheumatology Research: Who, What, Where, When, and Why? Cureus 2022; 14:e27235. [PMID: 36039219 PMCID: PMC9400834 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the evidence that complicated rheumatic diseases are more prevalent and severe in ethnic minorities, rheumatology research is afflicted with inadequate patient representation. It is lacking in ethnic and socioeconomic diversity. The objective of this study is to identify barriers to enrollment in rheumatology research and propose possible solutions to overcome these barriers. In this study, 184 patients from two rheumatology clinics (Safety Net clinic, a university-based clinic) were surveyed for concerns regarding participation in clinical research. Patients were asked to rank their top five of eight concerns. Data were then stratified by self-reported ethnicity and clinic site to determine ranking differences in both groups. Fear of risks associated with clinical research was ranked as the primary barrier in all ethnicities. More non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) (24.4%) ranked work responsibilities as a primary barrier compared to Hispanics (10%). Fear of discovering a serious illness as a primary barrier was more frequent at the Safety Net clinic (25%) compared to the university-based clinic (6.3%) and ranked more frequently in the top five in Hispanics compared to NHW. Fears associated with research risks, work responsibilities, and fear of discovering a serious illness were the top-ranked barriers to enrollment in research among patients. However, differences in rankings between ethnicities and clinic sites were identified. This sheds light on the importance of health literacy and the responsibility of researchers in addressing gaps in communication while acknowledging potential cultural components that warrant further investigation.
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Beachler DC, Lamy FX, Kolitsopoulos F, Dinh J, Papazian A, Jamal-Allial A, Mahmoudpour SH, Michelon E, Verpillat P. Incidence of safety events after immune checkpoint inhibitor initiation for advanced-stage non-small-cell lung cancer: a real-world study. Future Oncol 2022; 18:2891-2901. [PMID: 35848218 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2022-0308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To describe the incidence of safety events after immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) initiation for advanced-stage non-small-cell lung cancer. Methods: Retrospective cohort study using the HealthCore Integrated Research Database in the USA to examine the incidence of prespecified safety events of interest after ICI initiation (n = 5278). Results: The most common safety events after ICI initiation included malaise/fatigue (incidence rate [IR]: 70.7 per 100 person-years; 95% CI: 66.5-75.1) and nausea/vomiting (IR: 32.4; 30.0-34.8). Other potential immune-mediated events, including colitis (IR: 7.11; 6.26-8.04) and pneumonitis (IR: 5.47; 4.76-6.25), were less frequent but higher than after any systemic anti-cancer therapy. No safety event rate substantially increased 6 months after ICI initiation. Conclusion: This large real-world study reports the incidence of safety events with ICI regimens for advanced-stage non-small-cell lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jade Dinh
- Safety & Epidemiology, HealthCore Inc., Wilmington, DE 19801, USA
| | - Anahit Papazian
- Safety & Epidemiology, HealthCore Inc., Wilmington, DE 19801, USA
| | | | | | | | - Patrice Verpillat
- Global Epidemiology, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany
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Luan D, Martin P, Leonard JP, Trevino KM. Age Differences in Clinical Trial Understanding in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2022; 22:e549-e554. [PMID: 35307317 PMCID: PMC9232921 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical trials are often an important component of cancer care but are misunderstood by many patients. Few studies have examined age differences in clinical trial understanding in older versus younger adults, especially among patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a slowly progressive and not typically curable cancer diagnosed primarily in older adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS Participants aged ≥21 years with a diagnosis of NHL were recruited from a single academic medical center in an urban setting. Age was dichotomized as <65 and ≥65 years. Clinical trial understanding was assessed using a four-item survey of potential goals of a clinical trial, with responses including "yes," "no," and "I don't know." Survey responses were examined by age using Chi-square tests. RESULTS The sample was comprised of 74 patients who were predominantly non-Latino White, with a mean age of 60.4 years (SD = 12.27). Compared to younger patients, older patients were more likely to respond "I don't know" to the clinical trial goals of reducing the lymphoma (41.4% vs. 13.3%; P = .023) and keeping the lymphoma from worsening (41.4% vs. 13.3%; P = .017). Age differences for the remaining goals were not statistically significant. Similar findings emerged when the sample was restricted to patients under active surveillance. CONCLUSION Relative to younger adults, older adults may have a less nuanced understanding of clinical trial goals. Therefore, older adults may benefit from developmentally-tailored interventions to improve clinical trial understanding. Future research should examine the relationship between clinical trial understanding and enrollment by age using validated measures in diverse samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Luan
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY; NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Peter Martin
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY; NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | - John P Leonard
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY; NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
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Adams DV, Long S, Fleury ME. Association of Remote Technology Use and Other Decentralization Tools With Patient Likelihood to Enroll in Cancer Clinical Trials. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2220053. [PMID: 35788672 PMCID: PMC9257574 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.20053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Logistical challenges such as travel time and distance to a clinical trial site can be a barrier to patient participation. The association of remote technology use and other decentralization tools that can reduce these barriers with likelihood to enroll in cancer trials is not well understood. OBJECTIVE To assess the association of remote technology and other decentralization tools used to reduce participation-related time and travel with the likelihood to enroll in cancer clinical trials. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Between July 6 and September 8, 2021, a 41-question, cross-sectional, internet-based survey was administered to patients with cancer and survivors of cancer in the US who had been diagnosed with or treated for cancer in the past 7 years. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Increase in self-reported likelihood to enroll in cancer clinical trials that use remote technology and other decentralization tools to decrease the need for travel to the trial site. RESULTS There were 1183 survey respondents, with a mean (SD) age of 58.2 (12.5) years. Respondents self-reported their gender, race and ethnicity, cancer type, and treatment status. Of the 1183 respondents, 848 (72%) were female, 296 (25%) were male, 8 (1%) were other/nonbinary, and 31 (3%) declined to answer. With regard to race, 28 respondents (3%) were American Indian or Alaska Native, 25 (2%) were Asian, 234 (20%) were Black or African American, 20 (2%) were Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, 825 (70%) were White, and 51 (4%) declined to answer. With regard to ethnicity, 115 respondents (10%) were Hispanic, Latino/Latina, or of Spanish origin, whereas 1017 (86%) were not and 51 (4%) declined to answer. Regarding cancer type and treatment status, 483 respondents (41%) either had or had survived breast cancer and 325 (28%) were being treated for cancer during the survey period. Individuals older than 55 years were more likely to say that they would only participate in trials no farther from their home than their regular care health care practitioner compared with younger respondents (26% vs 16%, respectively; P = .02). Higher-income earners (ie, those in households earning >$125 000/y) were significantly more likely than lower-income earners (ie, those in households earning <$70 000/y) to say they would participate in trials requiring additional effort (62% vs 41%, respectively; P = .03). If given the opportunity to enroll in a cancer clinical trial that required travel farther than their regular care, a majority of respondents (range, 60%-85%) indicated that they would be more likely to participate if the trial used remote technology and other tools to decrease the need for travel to a trial site. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cross-sectional study, the survey findings suggest that cancer clinical trials leveraging remote technology and decentralization tools to reduce patient time and travel burden associated with participation may increase the patient consent rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon V. Adams
- American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Washington, DC
| | - Sarah Long
- American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Washington, DC
| | - Mark E. Fleury
- American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Washington, DC
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Baldini C, Charton E, Schultz E, Auroy L, Italiano A, Robert M, Coquan E, Isambert N, Moreau P, Le Gouill S, Le Tourneau C, Ghrieb Z, Kiladjian J, Delord J, Roca CG, Vey N, Barlesi F, Lesimple T, Penel N, Soria J, Massard C, Besle S. Access to early-phase clinical trials in older patients with cancer in France: the EGALICAN-2 study. ESMO Open 2022; 7:100468. [PMID: 35533427 PMCID: PMC9271476 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients and methods Results Conclusions Older patients are underrepresented in early-phase clinical trials (17.7%) compared with the number of new cases (50%). The rate of signed informed consent was similar across age groups (92.7% in younger patients versus 90.6% in older patients). The rate of screening failure was consistent across all age groups (28.5% in younger patients versus 24.3% in older patients). In older patients the initial care received in the center having a phase I unit was associated with study drug administration.
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