Participating in a cancer clinical trial can offer patients access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to advancements in cancer care. The process of finding and enrolling in a clinical trial involves several key steps. Firstly, individuals can start their search for clinical trials by consulting with their doctor to explore suitable options based on their cancer type and stage. Additionally, online resources such as databases provided by institutions like the National Cancer Institute (NCI), TrialCheck®, and ClinicalTrials.gov can help individuals identify trials that may be suitable for them based on various factors like study location and trial type.
Understanding eligibility criteria is crucial when considering participation in a clinical trial. Each trial has specific guidelines outlining who can participate, such as age, gender, cancer type, and stage. It is essential to review these criteria carefully to determine if a particular trial is a good fit. If needed, individuals can seek clarification from their doctors or contact the study organizers directly for assistance with understanding the requirements. Moreover, contacting the study organizers after identifying a potential trial helps initiate the process of eligibility determination, which may involve appointments and eligibility tests.
Before enrolling in a clinical trial, individuals should thoroughly review the study description, which outlines the protocol detailing the study procedures and safeguards put in place to protect participants’ well-being. It is recommended to discuss the study description with healthcare providers and prepare questions to clarify any uncertainties. Prior to participation, individuals must go through the informed consent process, where the research team explains the trial’s purpose, duration, potential risks and benefits, and confidentiality of medical information. Informed consent is an ongoing process throughout the trial, allowing participants to stay informed about the study’s progress and any identified risks or side effects.
Dr Bob Li, Physician Ambassador to China and Asia-Pacific, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and C4C Task Force member, speaks at the 2023 Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore.
Less Than 5% Of Cancer Patients Get Access To Clinical Trials
Forbes.com, September 20, 2023
C4C’s Dr. Bob Li discusses the need for a greater focus on global inequity, defined as a lack of access to clinical trials and breakthrough research. Today, only less than 5% of cancer patients have access to clinical trials offering potentially life-saving new drugs and treatment breakthroughs.
Information on Clinical Trials
ClinicalTrials.gov is a database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world.
How to Join a Clinical Trial
Use these steps as a guide to finding and enrolling in a cancer clinical trial.
The Importance of Patient-Centric Clinical Trials
Working to Improve Patient Access to Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are widely recognized as the best form of cancer care, providing access to the latest breakthroughs science can provide.
But only 2-8% of cancer patients gain access to these trials, due to a combination of factors. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a revolution in how cancer trials are conducted, decentralizing them from major cities and academic medical institutions, and making them available to more diverse populations of cancer patients around the world. This model can help accelerate breakthroughs.
Cure4Cancer is talking to policymakers around the world to increase access to the latest treatments and to standardize the approval processes so that the whole world can benefit from the latest treatments. Add your voice by joining us on social media or writing a letter to your local representative.
Reimagining patient-centric cancer clinical trials: a multi-stakeholder international coalition
Nature Medicine, April 19 2022
Author: Bob T. Li, Bobby Daly, et al
The article discusses the establishment of the Bloomberg New Economy International Cancer Coalition, which aims to improve patient access to cancer clinical trials and harmonize regulations globally in the post-pandemic era. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted oncology clinical trials, leading to regulatory flexibilities adopted by various countries like the US, China, Russia, and the EU to enable patients to continue accessing experimental therapies. As a response to these changes, the Coalition was formed in 2021 to focus on patient-centric care in clinical trials, leveraging technologies and international collaboration.
One key focus of the Coalition is on patient identification and enrollment by addressing barriers to trial participation, especially in underserved communities. The strategy involves leveraging information technology to match patients with suitable trials based on their molecular profiles, increasing awareness of biomarker testing, and promoting the global adoption of liquid biopsy technologies. The article highlights the importance of reducing barriers to trial enrollment and increasing diversity among participants to improve the generalizability of trial data.
The article also discusses enhancing treatment and monitoring in clinical trials through remote and hybrid models. By leveraging telemedicine, wireless sensors, and remote data collection, trials can be made more accessible to patients, especially those living far from medical centers. The shift towards more patient-centric trials involves engaging patients as active partners, ensuring their perspectives are integrated into trial designs, and reducing the burden of trial participation. Additionally, the article emphasizes the need for regulatory harmonization globally to accelerate the development of novel cancer treatments and prevention strategies. Through initiatives like Project Orbis and international collaborations, regulatory barriers can be lowered to facilitate the timely approval of innovative therapies. The Coalition’s efforts aim to reshape the landscape of cancer clinical trials, promoting international collaboration and patient-centric approaches to accelerate progress in cancer research.
Reimagining Patient-Centric Cancer Clinical Trials
Nature MedicineThe Bloomberg New Economy International Cancer Coalition brings together academia, industry, government, patient advocacy and policy think tanks to leverage technology and collaboration to improve patient access to clinical trials…
