Our summary
A study published in Blood (Casey et al) examined the inclusivity of lymphoma clinical trials conducted in the US, investigating the extent to which diversity is reflected in trial participants in terms of race/ethnicity, gender, geographic distribution when compared to individuals in disease registries.
Upon learning this, researchers from Flatiron Health commented on the implications of Casey et al’s study on lymphoma clinical trials. They go beyond the research findings and offer a valuable perspective on health equity. Specifically, they explore the external validity of pivotal lymphoma clinical trials through the lens of structural racism and adverse social determinants of health that can hinder individuals’ participation in clinical trials. By considering these factors, the authors shed light on the broader systemic issues that contribute to the underrepresentation of certain populations in clinical trials.
Why this matters
These findings coincide with renewed efforts by lawmakers and regulators to improve diversity in clinical trials for historically marginalized groups. By addressing the representativeness gap, the aim is to enhance trial participant diversity, collect comprehensive data, optimize eligibility criteria, and improve access to trials. This will lead to a better understanding of cancer treatments’ safety and efficacy for all patients and ensure that medical advancements benefit diverse patients equitably.