Breast Cancer Trial Enrollment Shows Promise Across Demographics

• A recent study at an NCI-designated cancer center reveals that over half of screened breast cancer patients were eligible for therapeutic clinical trials.
• Enrollment rates among eligible patients surpassed the national average, reaching 58%, indicating a positive trend in trial participation.
• The study found similar likelihoods of trial eligibility and enrollment across different racial and rural demographics, challenging national disparities.
• Patients in highly disadvantaged areas showed a trend toward higher enrollment, suggesting targeted interventions may improve clinical trial access.

A recent study conducted at a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center indicates promising trends in breast cancer therapeutic clinical trial enrollment across diverse demographics. The research, which screened 343 patients for therapeutic trials between July 2020 and January 2024, found that 54% were eligible for trials, and of those eligible, 58% enrolled. This enrollment rate surpasses the national average, highlighting a potential shift in clinical trial participation.

The study, led by researchers including Nicole Reh and Lily A. Gutnik, explored associations between patient demographics, clinical trial eligibility, and enrollment. The findings challenge existing disparities often seen in clinical trial representation. "Our goal was to understand and address the factors influencing trial enrollment among diverse populations," explained Dr. Gutnik.

The patient cohort had a mean age of 56 years (SD 13), with 33% identifying as Black/other race, 22% residing in highly disadvantaged areas, and 16% in rural locations. Most patients (87%) were screened for a single trial. The study assessed eligibility and enrollment likelihood by race, rurality, and neighborhood disadvantage using risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from modified Poisson regression models.

Notably, the study found similar likelihoods of eligibility and enrollment across racial and rural demographics. Although not statistically significant, patients living in highly disadvantaged areas showed a trend toward higher enrollment (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.99–1.55). This suggests that targeted efforts to improve access in these communities may be effective.

These results indicate that focused efforts at comprehensive cancer centers can mitigate disparities in clinical trial enrollment. By actively screening and engaging diverse patient populations, it's possible to achieve more equitable representation in breast cancer research. Further research is needed to identify and address the remaining barriers to trial participation, particularly among underserved communities.