Presentations

Abstract

Introduction:

Participation in cancer clinical trials is low in the United States as only 8% of eligible cancer patients enroll into clinical trials. Participation rates are even lower among minority groups. About 90% of lung cancer clinical trial participants identify as White, leaving minorities underrepresented in these trials. The primary aim of this study was to characterize and compare variables among participants in lung cancer clinical trials to non-participants at University of Illinois Cancer Center.

Methods:

Data were extracted from 152 patient charts, all of whom were Dr. Weinberg's patients, using Epic Electronic Medical Record (EMR). 22 surveys were administered during follow-up visits. Enrollment data from the Clinical Research Office were also included in the analysis. To explore potential similarities and differences between the populations, a chi-square test was employed.

Results:

33% of Dr. Weinberg's lung cancer patients enrolled into clinical trials. 60% of the patients who enrolled into clinical trials identify as African-American. Roughly the same percentage of males and females enrolled into clinical trials (51% and 49% respectively). Clinical trial enrollees were predominantly non-Hispanic (84%). Of the patients who did not participate, ineligibility and patient choice were roughly split (15 versus 17).

Conclusion:

UIC has more success in enrolling diverse patient populations into clinical trials compared to other academic institutions. More work needs to be done to elucidate the reasons for this.