Enrollment of patients to clinical trials in haematological cancer
Current status, perceived barriers and opportunities for improvement.
Enrollment of cancer patients in clinical trials is associated with significant positive outcomes. There are, however, limited Australian data on enrollment of patients with haematological malignancies to clinical trials.
Aim
The aim of this study is to document the number of patients with
haematological malignancies enrolled on clinical trials in NSW, to
establish the barriers to trial recruitment and to examine possible
means by which clinical trials participation may be improved.
Methods
Quantitative data on clinical trial accrual were obtained from
all sites participating in clinical trials in haematological
malignancies in NSW from 2004 to 2007 and were compared with the
cancer incidence data for that period. Qualitative data on barriers
and strategies for improvement were gathered using semi-structured
interviews with clinical trials professionals from throughout
NSW.
Results
Between 2004 and 2007 there were significant increases in the
number of active centres, clinical trials and trial participation,
and by 2007, 10.5 per cent of all eligible patients with
haematological malignancies in NSW were enrolled in relevant
clinical trials. Resource constraints were the greatest perceived
barrier to participation, but the success of clinical trials is
also challenged by difficulties associated with communication,
ethics review, trial coordination, trial design and support for
emerging centres.
Conclusion
While participation in clinical trials in haematological cancer
in NSW improved between 2004 and 2007, participation in clinical
trials remains suboptimal. The development of specific strategies
to address barriers to participation may facilitate increased
enrolment and ultimately improve clinical outcomes in patients with
haematological malignancies.
This paper has been accepted for publication by Internal
Medicine Journal.
- Cancer Institute New South Wales
- Haematology Department, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales,
Australia
- Haematology Department, Gosford Hospital, New South Wales,
Australia
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