Income impacts on oncology trials

Oncology patients with lower income are substantially less likely to take part in clinical trials, it has been suggested.

Research published in the January 7th Journal of Clinical Oncology looked at clinical trial participation patterns, taking into account socioeconomic and demographic factors for 5,499 oncology patients by using an internet-based treatment decision tool.

Joseph M Unger of the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Centre in Seattle led the research.

Findings showed that 40 per cent of patients discussed clinical trials with their physicians, with 45 per cent of these negotiations leading to offers of clinical trial participation, while 51 per cent culminated in people taking part in such research.

Overall, the rate of participation in clinical trials was nine per cent, with the study finding that participation was less likely for older patients and those with lower income and education.

In individuals aged 65 years and older with universal access to Medicare, lower income still predicted lower participation in clinical laboratory trials, while cost concerns were most evident among lower-income patients.

The authors wrote: "Because clinical trials offer the newest cancer treatments, equal access to this important resource for patients of all income groups is essential.

"Also, improved lower-income participation would allow clinical trials to be conducted more quickly and would better ensure the applicability of trial results to all income levels (i.e. generalizability).

"Understanding that income is related to clinical trial participation could help guide policy decisions aimed at increasing access for lower-income patients."

New clinical trials are being announced on a weekly basis, with Aileron Therapeutics one of the many companies to announce new medical research work.

The business secured the second tranche in its series D financing, taking the overall total of funding to $42 million (£26 million).

This payment comes after the successful progression of the business' ALRN-5281 lead Stapled Peptide drug.

Posted by Neil Clark