Participation of Black Americans in Cancer Clinical Trials: Current Challenges and Proposed Solutions

JCO Oncol Pract. 2021 May;17(5):265-271. doi: 10.1200/OP.21.00001.

Abstract

Low participation of Black Americans in cancer clinical trials is a well-established predicament. Many factors resulted in this current dilemma with racism being the fundamental unit. Here, we discuss some current challenges and proposed solutions to help in increasing the enrollment of Black Americans in cancer clinical trials. We suggest implementing the least acceptable race-specific percentage as a new bar that registrational clinical trials need to pass before cancer drugs approval. Clinical trials will continue to draw the future of cancer therapeutics in which we believe that a prompt improvement of Black Americans participation is warranted.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Black or African American
  • Drug Approval
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Racism*