Breast Cancer: Clinical Trial Participation consistent Across Races

Updated June 27, 2025
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Chicago, IL-A recent survey conducted at a single center⁣ indicates that​ when presented with the possibility, breast cancer patients from various racial and ethnic backgrounds demonstrate a similar likelihood of discussing and⁣ participating‌ in clinical trials. The study sheds light on the critical role ‌of clinical trials in advancing breast cancer care and addresses the historical underrepresentation‌ of Black and ⁣Hispanic women in these studies.

Researchers analyzed⁤ survey responses ‍from 1,150 breast cancer patients enrolled in⁣ the Chicago Multiethnic Epidemiologic Breast Cancer cohort.The ⁢survey, conducted between‌ July and September 2022,⁣ included participants who were Asian (4.4%), Black‍ (19.5%), Hispanic (3.1%), and White (73.0%), with a mean age at diagnosis just under 54 years. The primary focus was to understand discussions‍ around clinical trials, actual participation rates, and the barriers preventing participation.

The⁤ study⁤ found that‍ 38.9% of respondents reported discussing trial​ participation with healthcare ‍providers, with⁣ no notable differences observed across racial and ethnic groups. of those offered trials, 64.3% participated. Younger patients,those with more advanced disease,or those diagnosed with triple-negative ‌breast cancer (TNBC) or high-grade cancer were more likely to be offered⁤ a clinical trial.​ While ​initial participation rates ⁣varied among racial and ethnic groups, these differences disappeared after adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors. The research highlights the importance of addressing structural barriers to improve clinical trial access ⁣and diversity in breast cancer research.

Among the ‍158 patients⁢ who declined ⁣to‌ participate, ⁤the main reasons cited were ineligibility and a general lack of interest in trials, each accounting for 23.4%.Concerns about receiving a placebo (10.8%) and the time commitment‌ required (10.1%) were also significant factors. The study also revealed that patients ⁤with an annual household​ income below $150,000 ⁢were significantly ⁤less likely to participate,indicating ⁣that financial barriers,though complex,play a crucial role in patient decisions regarding clinical trial participation.

Nan Chen, MD, ⁤of the University ‌of Chicago,⁢ led the study, which was published in JAMA Network Open.

⁣ ​ “reducing barriers to enrollment of clinical‍ trials is a scientific and ethical ⁣imperative for the cancer community,” the study authors said.
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What’s next

Future research shoudl‌ focus on strategies to reduce structural and financial barriers, ensuring equitable access to clinical trials for all ⁤breast cancer patients, regardless of ‌race or socioeconomic‌ status. Further inquiry into the specific concerns of patients regarding ⁣placebo use and time commitment could also improve participation rates.