A lung cancer research team from Oxford Brookes University has developed a new tool to improve access and recruitment to lung cancer clinical trials and help patients understand if a clinical trial was right for them.
Funded by Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, the tool was produced in response to drop in clinical trial participants since the pandemic.
Understanding the barriers
The team first looked at barriers that can stop people from taking part in clinical trials. They identified travel and time pressures as key challenges. Financial concerns also played a role. Geography and understaffing in lung cancer departments created further obstacles.
The team also identified a lack of relevant information. Patients said they needed clear and concise messaging about clinical trials.
Many patients did not know about clinical trial opportunities available to them. As a result, they said they would welcome more information. In particular, they wanted a printed resource. This would help patients understand clinical trials and decide whether taking part was right for them.
Not only can clinical trials pave the way for new treatment options in the future, they also offer much-needed hope to patients. And for those living with lung cancer, hope is their rocket fuel.
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
The review and focus group findings were used to produce a prototype tool before finally developing a patient leaflet that nurses could use to introduce their patients to clinical trials as a potential option.
The design meant that patients could take the information away with them, allowing them to digest and revisit the information when it suited them.
Going forward
The Lung I-ACT team will now collect survey data and carry out interviews over the next six months. The work will assess whether the resources improve conversations about clinical trials and increase participation.
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “The Lung I-ACT study is a vital piece of research and one we are proud to fund as a charity.
“Participation in lung cancer clinical trials has declined since the pandemic. This trend is deeply concerning. Lung cancer treatment has advanced significantly in recent years, but progress relies on clinical trials and the people who take part in them.
“Clinical trials play a crucial role in the fight against lung cancer. They help develop new treatments and offer patients much-needed hope. For people living with lung cancer, hope is their rocket fuel.”
Professor Catherine Henshall, Chief Investigator of the Lung I-ACT project, said: “Once the new resource rolls out nationally, it will give patients better information and improved access to innovative treatments through clinical trials. These trials could ultimately save lives.”
For any further information, please contact lung-i-act@brookes.ac.uk