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Castillo BS, Boehmer L, Schrag J, Howson A, Oyer R, Pierce L, Barrett NJ, Guerra CE. Oncologist-Reported Barriers and Facilitators to Offering Cancer Clinical Trials to Their Patients. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:3017-3029. [PMID: 38920714 PMCID: PMC11202609 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31060230] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
NCCN guidelines indicate that cancer clinical trials (CCTs) are the best management for patients with cancer. However, only 5% of patients enroll in them. We examined oncologists' perceived barriers and facilitators to discussing CCTs. This qualitative study was part of the ASCO-ACCC Initiative to Increase Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Clinical Trials. Barriers and facilitators at the system, trial, provider, and patient levels were examined. To achieve triangulation, patient encounters were reviewed using chart-stimulated recall (CSR) methods, thereby obtaining a valid assessment of physician performance. Ten oncology providers participated in this study. Nine were oncologists, and one was a clinical research coordinator; five were female; four were White; three were Asian; and three were Black. Barriers to offering CCTs were a lack of trial availability; ineligibility; a lack of knowledge; assumptions about patient interest, benefits, or harms; patient's disease factors; and negative attitudes. Facilitators of offering CCTs were a physical space to discuss trials; greater trial availability; a systematic approach to offering trials; patient factors; patients seeking trials; a lack of comorbidities; patients being younger in age; patients being aware of, asking about, or hearing of trials from their surgeon; and higher levels of altruism. Many of the cited barriers are addressable with the cited facilitators. A larger study is needed to generalize and validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda S. Castillo
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Leigh Boehmer
- Association of Community Cancer Centers, Rockville, MD 20850, USA;
| | | | | | - Randall Oyer
- Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA;
| | - Lori Pierce
- Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Nadine J. Barrett
- Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute and Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27701, USA;
| | - Carmen E. Guerra
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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2
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Coles CE, Earl H, Anderson BO, Barrios CH, Bienz M, Bliss JM, Cameron DA, Cardoso F, Cui W, Francis PA, Jagsi R, Knaul FM, McIntosh SA, Phillips KA, Radbruch L, Thompson MK, André F, Abraham JE, Bhattacharya IS, Franzoi MA, Drewett L, Fulton A, Kazmi F, Inbah Rajah D, Mutebi M, Ng D, Ng S, Olopade OI, Rosa WE, Rubasingham J, Spence D, Stobart H, Vargas Enciso V, Vaz-Luis I, Villarreal-Garza C. The Lancet Breast Cancer Commission. Lancet 2024; 403:1895-1950. [PMID: 38636533 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(24)00747-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Helena Earl
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin O Anderson
- Global Breast Cancer Initiative, World Health Organisation and Departments of Surgery and Global Health Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carlos H Barrios
- Oncology Research Center, Hospital São Lucas, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maya Bienz
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, London, UK; Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - David A Cameron
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer and Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Fatima Cardoso
- Breast Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Center/Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Wanda Cui
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Prudence A Francis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Reshma Jagsi
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Felicia Marie Knaul
- Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Tómatelo a Pecho, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Stuart A McIntosh
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Kelly-Anne Phillips
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lukas Radbruch
- Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Jean E Abraham
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Lynsey Drewett
- Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Farasat Kazmi
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | | | | | - Dianna Ng
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Szeyi Ng
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | - William E Rosa
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cynthia Villarreal-Garza
- Breast Cancer Center, Hospital Zambrano Hellion TecSalud, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
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Vidal L, Dlamini Z, Qian S, Rishi P, Karmo M, Joglekar N, Abedin S, Previs RA, Orbegoso C, Joshi C, Azim HA, Karkaria H, Harris M, Mehrotra R, Berraondo M, Werutsky G, Gupta S, Niikura N, Chico I, Saini KS. Equitable inclusion of diverse populations in oncology clinical trials: deterrents and drivers. ESMO Open 2024; 9:103373. [PMID: 38718705 PMCID: PMC11090874 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.103373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The burden of cancer exerts a disproportionate impact across different regions and population subsets. Disease-specific attributes, coupled with genetic and socioeconomic factors, significantly influence cancer treatment outcomes. Precision oncology promises the development of safe and effective options for specific ethnic phenotypes and clinicodemographic profiles. Currently, clinical trials are concentrated in resource-rich geographies with younger, healthier, white, educated, and empowered populations. Vulnerable and marginalized people are often deprived of opportunities to participate in clinical trials. Despite consistent endeavors by regulators, industry, and other stakeholders, factors including diversity in trial regulations and patient and provider-related cultural, logistic, and operational barriers limit the inclusiveness of clinical trials. Understanding and addressing these constraints by collaborative actions involving regulatory initiatives, industry, patient advocacy groups, community engagement in a culturally sensitive manner, and designing and promoting decentralized clinical trials are vital to establishing a clinical research ecosystem that promotes equity in the representation of population subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Z Dlamini
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - S Qian
- Fortrea Inc., Durham, USA
| | | | - M Karmo
- Tigerlily Foundation, Stone Ridge
| | | | | | - R A Previs
- Labcorp Oncology, Durham; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA
| | - C Orbegoso
- Daiichi Sankyo Oncology France, Rueil Malmaison
| | | | - H A Azim
- Emergence Therapeutics, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | - G Werutsky
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - S Gupta
- Tata Memorial Center, Mumbai, India
| | - N Niikura
- Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - K S Saini
- Fortrea Inc., Durham, USA; Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
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4
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Ebrahimi H, Megally S, Plotkin E, Shivakumar L, Salgia NJ, Zengin ZB, Meza L, Chawla N, Castro DV, Dizman N, Bhagat R, Liv S, Li X, Rock A, Liu S, Tripathi A, Dorff T, Oyer RA, Boehmer L, Pal S, Chehrazi-Raffle A. Barriers to Clinical Trial Implementation Among Community Care Centers. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e248739. [PMID: 38683608 PMCID: PMC11059033 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.8739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance While an overwhelming majority of patients diagnosed with cancer express willingness to participate in clinical trials, only a fraction will enroll onto a research protocol. Objective To identify critical barriers to trial enrollment to translate findings into actionable practice changes that increase cancer clinical trial enrollment. Design, Setting, and Participants This survey study included designated site contacts at oncology practices with teams who were highly involved with the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) Community Oncology Research Institute (ACORI) clinical trials activities, all American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)-ACCC collaboration pilot sites, and/or sites providing care to at least 25% African American and Hispanic residents. To determine participation trends among health care practices in oncology-focused research, identify barriers to clinical trial implementation and operation, and establish unmet needs for cancer clinics interested in trial participation, a 34-question survey was designed. Survey questions were defined within 3 categories: cancer center demographic characteristics, clinical trial characteristics, and referral practices. The survey was distributed through email and was open from June 20 through October 5, 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures Participation in and barriers to conducting oncology trials in different community oncology settings. Results The survey was distributed to 100 cancer centers, with completion by 58 centers (58%) across 25 states. Fifty-two centers (88%) reported that they conduct therapeutic clinical trials, of which 33 (63%) were from urban settings, 11 (21%) were from suburban settings, and 8 (15%) were from rural settings. Only 25% of rural practices (2 of 8) offered phase 1 trials, compared with 67% of urban practices (22 of 33) (P = .01). Respondents noted challenges in conducting research, including patient recruitment (27 respondents [52%]), limited staffing (27 [52%]), and nonrelevant trials for their patient population (25 [48%]). Among sites not offering therapeutic trials, barriers to research conduct included limited infrastructure, funding, and staffing. Most centers (46 of 58 [79%]) referred patients to outside centers for clinical trial enrollment, particularly in the context of late-stage disease and/or disease progression. Only 17 of these sites (37%) had established protocols for patient follow-up subsequent to outside referral. Conclusions and Relevance In this national survey study of barriers to clinical trial implementation, most sites offered therapeutic trials, but there were significant disparities in trial availability across care settings. Furthermore, fundamental deficiencies in trial support infrastructure limited research activity, including within programs currently conducting research as well as at sites interested in future clinical research opportunities. These results identify crucial unmet needs for oncology clinics to effectively offer clinical trials to patients seeking care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedyeh Ebrahimi
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
| | - Sandra Megally
- Association of Community Cancer Centers, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Elana Plotkin
- Association of Community Cancer Centers, Rockville, Maryland
| | | | | | - Zeynep B. Zengin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Luis Meza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Neal Chawla
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
| | | | - Nazli Dizman
- Department of Internal Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ruma Bhagat
- Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, California
| | - Seila Liv
- Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, California
| | - Xiaochen Li
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
| | - Adam Rock
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
| | - Sandy Liu
- City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, Irvine, California
| | | | - Tanya Dorff
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
| | - Randall A. Oyer
- Penn Medicine Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
| | - Leigh Boehmer
- Association of Community Cancer Centers, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Sumanta Pal
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
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Oveisi N, Cheng V, Taylor D, Bechthold H, Barnes M, Jansen N, McTaggart-Cowan H, Brotto LA, Peacock S, Hanley GE, Gill S, Rayar M, Srikanthan A, De Vera MA. Meaningful Patient Engagement in Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Research: A Framework for Qualitative Studies. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:1689-1700. [PMID: 38668031 PMCID: PMC11049004 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31040128] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, patient engagement in cancer research has evolved significantly, especially in addressing the unique challenges faced by adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer populations. This paper introduces a framework for meaningful engagement with AYA cancer patient research partners, drawing insights from the "FUTURE" Study, a qualitative study that utilizes focus groups to explore the impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on the sexual and reproductive health of AYA cancer patients in Canada. The framework's development integrates insights from prior works and addresses challenges with patient engagement in research specific to AYA cancer populations. The framework is guided by overarching principles (safety, flexibility, and sensitivity) and includes considerations that apply across all phases of a research study (collaboration; iteration; communication; and equity, diversity, and inclusion) and tasks that apply to specific phases of a research study (developing, conducting, and translating the study). The proposed framework seeks to increase patient engagement in AYA cancer research beyond a supplementary aspect to an integral component for conducting research with impact on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Oveisi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (N.O.); (V.C.)
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Vicki Cheng
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (N.O.); (V.C.)
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | | | | | - Mikaela Barnes
- Patient Research Partner
- Registered Physiotherapist, Pelvic Health Provider, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Helen McTaggart-Cowan
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; (H.M.-C.); (S.P.); (S.G.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Lori A. Brotto
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (L.A.B.); (G.E.H.); (M.R.)
| | - Stuart Peacock
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; (H.M.-C.); (S.P.); (S.G.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Gillian E. Hanley
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (L.A.B.); (G.E.H.); (M.R.)
| | - Sharlene Gill
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; (H.M.-C.); (S.P.); (S.G.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (L.A.B.); (G.E.H.); (M.R.)
| | - Meera Rayar
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (L.A.B.); (G.E.H.); (M.R.)
| | - Amirrtha Srikanthan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada;
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Mary A. De Vera
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (N.O.); (V.C.)
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
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6
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Loehrer AP, Green SR, Winkfield KM. Inequity in Cancer and Cancer Care Delivery in the United States. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2024; 38:1-12. [PMID: 37673697 PMCID: PMC10840640 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2023.08.001] [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] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Inequity exists along the continuum of cancer and cancer care delivery in the United States. Marginalized populations have later stage cancer at diagnosis, decreased likelihood of receiving cancer-directed care, and worse outcomes from treatment. These inequities are driven by historical, structural, systemic, interpersonal, and internalized factors that influence cancer across the pathologic and clinical continuum. To ensure equity in cancer care, interventions are needed at the level of policy, care delivery, interpersonal communication, diversity within the clinical workforce, and clinical trial accessibility and design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Loehrer
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA; Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH, USA.
| | - Sybil R Green
- American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2318 Mill Road, Suite 800, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Karen M Winkfield
- Vanderbilt University Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, 1005 Dr DB Todd Jr Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
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Henley P, Martins T, Zamani R. Assessing Ethnic Minority Representation in Fibromyalgia Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review of Recruitment Demographics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7185. [PMID: 38131736 PMCID: PMC10742509 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20247185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The under-representation of non-White participants in Western countries in clinical research has received increased attention, due to recognized physiological differences between ethnic groups, which may affect the efficacy and optimal dosage of some treatments. This review assessed ethnic diversity in pharmaceutical trials for fibromyalgia, a poorly understood chronic pain disorder. We also investigated longitudinal change to non-White participant proportions in trials and non-White participants' likelihood to discontinue with fibromyalgia research between trial stages (retention). First, we identified relevant trials conducted in the United States and Canada between 2000 and 2022, by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases. In trials conducted both across the United States and Canada, and exclusively within the United States, approximately 90% of participants were White. A longitudinal analysis also found no change in the proportion of non-White participants in trials conducted across the United States and Canada between 2000 and 2022. Finally, we found no significant differences in trial retention between White and non-White participants. This review highlights the low numbers of ethnic minorities in fibromyalgia trials conducted in the United States and Canada, with no change to these proportions over the past 22 years. Furthermore, non-White participants were not more likely to discontinue with the fibromyalgia research once they were recruited.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Reza Zamani
- Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK (T.M.)
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Li R, Ma Y, Arditte Hall KA, Johnson C, Philpotts LL, Perez GK, Park ER, Hall DL. Representation of race and ethnicity among cancer survivors in trials of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I): A systematic review. Support Care Cancer 2023; 32:23. [PMID: 38095732 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08207-2] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE For cancer survivors, insomnia is highly prevalent and debilitating. Although cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is recognized as a gold standard treatment, it is unclear whether benefits of treatment generalize to racial and ethnic minorities in the USA. This systematic review characterizes the representation of racial and ethnic diversity among cancer survivors in CBT-I clinical trials and provides recommendations for research in sleep/cancer survivorship. METHODS Literature searches were conducted in five electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library via Ovid, PsycINFO via Ovid, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection) using concepts of CBT, insomnia, and cancer survivors. Information about CBT-I intervention details, sample racial demographics, and whether authors explicitly analyzed race and ethnicity were recorded. RESULTS A total of 1673 citations were retrieved, and 967 citations were uploaded to Covidence. Of these, 135 articles went through full-text review and 13 studies were included. Race and ethnicity were reported in 11/13 trials (84.6%). Of those reporting race and ethnicity, 8/11 (72.7%) trials were comprised of samples that were ≥ 85% non-Hispanic White. Among the trials that explicitly analyzed race and ethnicity, CBT-I was more effective among cancer survivors who were White and highly educated, and non-White cancer survivors were less likely to have private insurance and ability to participate in clinical trials. CONCLUSION Non-Hispanic White cancer survivors are overrepresented in CBT-I trials, the best available treatment for insomnia. Underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities likely contributes to barriers in access and uptake. Recommendations include implementing sustained efforts to expand diversity in CBT-I clinical trials for cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raissa Li
- Health Promotion and Resiliency Intervention Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St., 16th Floor, Boston, MA, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Yan Ma
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Lisa L Philpotts
- Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Giselle K Perez
- Health Promotion and Resiliency Intervention Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St., 16th Floor, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elyse R Park
- Health Promotion and Resiliency Intervention Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St., 16th Floor, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel L Hall
- Health Promotion and Resiliency Intervention Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St., 16th Floor, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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9
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Pal A, Smith B, Allan C, Karikios D, Boyle F. Improving Access to Cancer Clinical Trials for Patients From Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds in Australia: A Survey of Clinical and Research Professionals. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:1039-1047. [PMID: 37677123 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00291] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with cancer from racial and ethnic minorities, referred to as culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) in Australia, are significantly under-represented in cancer clinical trials. We performed a national survey of the Australian cancer clinical trials workforce to determine barriers and preferred solutions to address this inequity. METHODS A 15-item online survey containing both closed- and open-ended purpose-designed questions was created using REDCap. The survey was emailed to members of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia, Medical Oncology Group of Australia, and Australian cancer cooperative trial groups, and promoted via Twitter. Descriptive analyses summarized quantitative data, and free-text entries underwent thematic analysis with NVivo Version 12. RESULTS Ninety one respondents completed the survey-with representation across Australia. Eighty-seven percent were directly involved in clinical trial recruitment. Sixty-eight percent were clinicians. Seventy-four percent of respondents did not collect routine data on CALD patient enrollment to cancer clinical trials. Communication (eg, lack of translated materials) and opportunity-related barriers (eg, exclusionary trial protocols) were the most frequently perceived barriers to recruitment. Additionally, qualitative analysis indicated that insufficient consultation time and difficulties accessing interpreters for patients with non-English language preference were significant barriers. Trial navigators and a generic cancer trial pamphlet available in multiple languages were judged the most likely solutions to improve recruitment. CONCLUSION This study articulates the Australian clinical trials workforce's perspective on current barriers and potential solutions to the under-representation of patients from CALD backgrounds on cancer clinical trials. The insights and solutions from this survey provide steps toward achieving equity in Australian cancer clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Pal
- Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ben Smith
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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10
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Villamar DM, Polite BN. The Promise of Cancer Health Justice: How Stakeholders and the Community Can Build a Sustained and Equitable System of Cancer Care Through the Lens of Colorectal Cancer Interventions. Cancer J 2023; 29:338-342. [PMID: 37963368 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000676] [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: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Disparities in outcomes and persistent barriers to adequate care in colorectal cancer are reflective of a system that has failed to achieve the ideals of health equity and health justice. In this review, we discuss that although much research has been done to improve upon gaps in screening, treatment, and supportive care in colorectal cancer, a concerted effort across multiple research, regulatory, and funding stakeholders with community-level organizations is essential in building a self-sustained system that effectively achieves health equity outcomes. We also highlight several examples of novel community-based interventions along the continuum of cancer care that demonstrate the potential of what can be accomplished when we invest in scaling up small-scale solutions to the state and national levels and offer ways in which stakeholders and the community may mutually benefit through a system of incentives, self-assessment tools, and attainable metrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario M Villamar
- From the Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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11
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Akimoto K, Taparra K, Brown T, Patel MI. Diversity in Cancer Care: Current Challenges and Potential Solutions to Achieving Equity in Clinical Trial Participation. Cancer J 2023; 29:310-315. [PMID: 37963364 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000675] [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: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Access to and participation in cancer clinical trials determine whether such data are applicable, feasible, and generalizable among populations. The lack of inclusion of low-income and marginalized populations limits generalizability of the critical data guiding novel therapeutics and interventions used globally. Such lack of cancer clinical trial equity is troubling, considering that the populations frequently excluded from these trials are those with disproportionately higher cancer morbidity and mortality rates. There is an urgency to increase representation of marginalized populations to ensure that effective treatments are developed and equitably applied. Efforts to ameliorate these clinical trial inclusion disparities are met with a slew of multifactorial and multilevel challenges. We aim to review these challenges at the patient, clinician, system, and policy levels. We also highlight and propose solutions to inform future efforts to achieve cancer health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Akimoto
- From the Duluth Campus, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Duluth, MN
| | - Kekoa Taparra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Thelma Brown
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL
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Gamble C, Woodard TJ, Yakubu AI, Chapman-Davis E. An Intervention-Based Approach to Achieve Racial Equity in Gynecologic Oncology. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 142:957-966. [PMID: 37678907 PMCID: PMC10510810 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005348] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Racial inequities within gynecologic oncology exist at every step of the cancer continuum. Although the disparities have been well described, there is a significant gap in the literature focused on eliminating inequities in gynecologic cancer outcomes. The goal of this narrative review is to highlight successful, evidence-based interventions from within and outside of gynecologic oncology that alleviate disparity, providing a call to action for further research and implementation efforts within the field. These solutions are organized in the socioecologic framework, where multiple levels of influence-societal, community, organizational, interpersonal, and individual-affect health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Gamble
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and Georgetown University, Washington, DC; the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia; and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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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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