Pediatric Oncology Clinical Trial Participation Among Families From Historically Marginalized Groups

What are perceived barriers and facilitators to pediatric oncology clinical trial participation among families from historically marginalized groups? In this cross-sectional study of 60 parents of Black and Hispanic children and 15 clinicians, parents and clinicians converged on facilitators (altruism and trustworthiness) and some barriers (informed consent discussion, non-English language preference, trial materials, and study requirements). Clinicians viewed experimentation in trials and household material hardship as barriers that also prompted gatekeeping, whereas parents did not view these concerns as prohibitive. The findings of this study suggest that systematic screening for trial eligibility and household material hardship may reduce clinician gatekeeping and facilitate equitable trial enrollment.

Corresponding Author: Puja J. Umaretiya, MD, MS, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390 (puja.umaretiya@utsouthwestern.edu).

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