Clinical Trials Today: Understanding How Access and Equity in Cancer Research Has Changed

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new ways to treat a medical condition. Clinical trials are an important part of cancer care. They are done to make sure a new treatment is safe and effective. All new treatments must be tested in clinical trials before they are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Everyone who takes part in a clinical trial is a volunteer. These studies can be a way for people with cancer and other conditions to access the most recent treatment advances. 

But medical mistreatment has impacted the way many people view clinical trials. Today, there are many guidelines, regulations, and organizations that monitor the safety of clinical trials. However, historically, there were few rules protecting clinical trial participants. Researchers often treated people of color unfairly and unethically. Many people of color were denied effective treatment and lied to about the treatment they received to advance research goals.

This affects how people feel about participating in clinical trials today. Clinical trials should accurately reflect the people who get a disease, but many clinical trials are still not as diverse as they should be. Recently, Healthtree hosted a webinar discussing disparities in clinical trials. The discussion looked at why some groups are underrepresented in research. It also highlighted the importance of diverse participation. 

Equity in Clinical Trials Webinar

Understanding clinical trial phases

Clinical trials are grouped into phases that serve different purposes. 

Phase 1 trials are the first step in testing a treatment. The goal is to determine whether the treatment is safe. Researchers focus on understanding the right dosages and different side effects.  

Phase 2 trials evaluate how effective a treatment is in treating the particular type of cancer.  

Phase 3 trials compare the new treatment to the current standard of care. The standard of care is

Each phase is guided by a detailed plan called a protocol. The protocol lays out: 

• Who can participate
• What treatments will be given 
• How results will be measured

Improving regulation, monitoring, and diversity

The way clinical trials are designed and carried out has changed significantly over the years. Researchers and healthcare organizations have focused efforts on improving diversity and representation in clinical trials. 

These efforts include: 

• Community outreach and education
• Translated materials 
• More broad criteria for eligibility

These changes ensure that more people understand clinical trials and can participate. 

Today, clinical trials are closely regulated. Regulatory agencies and ethics committees review the protocol before a trial can begin. Also, patients are monitored closely. Monitoring often includes regular check-ups, lab work, and imaging tests. This helps care teams respond quickly to potential side effects. 

These requirements uphold ethical standards and protect patient safety. 

There are many reasons why people participate in clinical trials, including:

• Access to treatment (especially pediatric and rare cancers)
• Being part of research that can help others
• It's the best available option

Questions to ask your doctor about clinical trials 

It is important to speak with your care team about whether a clinical trial is right for you. HealthTree’s Clinical Trial Finder helps you explore opportunities to access treatment based on your condition, treatment history, and test results. 

• What is the goal of this trial? 
• How does this trial compare to other available treatments?
• What are the possible risks and side effects?
• How often do I need to come in for testing?
• What happens if the treatment does not work for me?

Clinical trials are just one way to access new treatments while also contributing to cancer care. Sharing your insights and experience with cancer leads to a deeper understanding of the patient experience, improved treatments, earlier diagnoses, and a better understanding of how the disease affects different people. Follow the link below to participate in real-world data studies through short surveys that can lead to better outcomes for the entire community.

Join HealthTree Today!

Sources: 

• HealthTree Clinical Trial Equity Webinar 
• KFF-Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Access to Medical Advancements and Technologies 
• NIH-Standard of Care