Diversity and Inclusion in Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials

Enrollment Matters: The Reality of Disparity and Pursuit of Equity in Clinical Trials

“…Studies have outlined disparities in pancreatic cancers and other cancer types, including breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers, as well as common cancer trials and surgical oncology trials (14). Most of these studies are comprised largely of white patients, so they have disproportionate benefits, providing cutting-edge care to that population but not so much underrepresented minorities.…”

A Path Forward for Understanding and Addressing Multifaceted Pancreatic Cancer Disparities

“…4,5,14,15 In addition, there is an unmet need to increase minority recruitment to clinical trials through promotion of inclusivity in study eligibility, increasing diversity of providers and coordinators who conduct trials, increasing the conduct of trials in geographic locations accessible to racially and ethnically diverse populations, patient advocacy, and public policy. 16 In summary, factors that underlie the growing disparities in PDAC incidence and mortality are multifaceted and likely reflect the interplay of lifestyle, socioeconomic, and biological determinants, as well as the need for improved health care access, coordination, and delivery. Future multicenter longitudinal studies that collect and integrate data related to these determinants will undoubtedly provide critical insight into factors that contribute to rising trends and disparate outcomes.…”

ASO Author Reflections: Seizing the Momentum to Diversify Cancer Clinical Trial Enrollment

“… 4 Transparency regarding the race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status of clinical trial participants is only the first step. 5 At a national level, insurance barriers are slowly being chipped away. The Clinical Treatment Act, passed in 2020 and effective in 2022, holds promise for increasing access for Medicaid beneficiaries.…”