Building a Framework for Equity Enrollment in Oncology Trials | Page 4
Physician lack of awareness of existing studies prevents patients from
Lack of physician referral can also occur if oncologists are concerned
being referred to appropriate clinical trials.10 Primary care physicians
about losing income if patients get treatment at another cancer center
often leave the discussion of clinical research to the patient’s oncologist.
and do not return.
Many oncologists outside of the academic setting may not be aware
of available trials in the area. Even within an academic institution,
Among breast cancer patients, being of African American or Hispanic
physicians can be unaware of all of their institution’s oncology trials,
race is associated with lower rates of participation in oncology trials.14
which can number more than a hundred at large centers.
It is unclear how much of the barrier to participation is related to race
per se versus socioeconomic conditions related to race. Residing in
Cultural beliefs can prevent individuals from researching available
high poverty areas is associated with lower rates of participation in
treatment options, including participation in clinical trials. For
breast canc