Our summary
The FDA has announced new guidelines requiring drug sponsors to boost racial/ethnic diversity in clinical trials from 2024. Historically, marginalized racial/ethnic groups have been less likely to join cancer trials, but there are limited data on access inequities in hematologic cancer trials. Additionally, it is unclear if social factors affect racial/ethnic inequities in trial participation.
This study investigates how standard trial criteria and social factors contribute to racial/ethnic disparities in clinical trial involvement for six hematologic cancers.
Why this matters
This study highlights significant inequities in clinical trial participation among patients with hematologic cancers, particularly impacting Black and Latinx individuals, who are 40% and 50% less likely to participate than White patients. Social determinants of health, such as segregation and practical obstacles like transportation and language barriers, are key contributors to these inequities. Addressing these issues is critical to prevent inequitable access to investigational drugs and ensure the accuracy of cancer treatment trial outcomes. This emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions to promote fairness and inclusivity in cancer research.