Patterns of participation of patients in cancer clinical trials in Ireland.
BACKGROUND
In the United States the overall participation in cancer clinical trials (CCT) is less than 3% [Avis et al. in J Clin Oncol 24:1860-1867 (2006); Lara et al. in J Clin Oncol 19:1728-1733 (2001)]. In Europe there is little data on participation in such trials.


OBJECTIVE
We aim to gather information on factors influencing CCT enrolment in Ireland.


METHODS
From November 2005 to 28 February 2006 all consecutive patients considered for systemic therapy were assessed for eligibility re participation in available CCTs.


RESULTS
A total of 290 patients were included. Overall 2.4% of patients were recruited to one of the available CCTs. The main reasons for failure of trial recruit were: no trial for cancer type (60%), no trial for stage (21%), ineligible by trial criteria (16.1%), patient declined (0.3%), and physician discretion (2.6%). Only one patient, who was otherwise eligible, declined entry into a clinical trial.


CONCLUSIONS
Irish patients with cancer are very willing to participate in CCTs. Current levels of recruitment compare favourably with international levels.
Morris
P G
PG
Cancer Clinical Trials Office, Cancer Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland. p_ob1_morris@yahoo.com
Kelly
R
R
Horgan
A
A
Nasim
S
S
Kehily
D
D
Grogan
L
L
Breathnach
O S
OS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms; D010358:Patient Participation; D018579:Patient Selection; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D035842:Research Subjects