When it comes to clinical trials, oncology research is in a league of its own. Cancer is a complex disease with more than 200 different types, each presenting unique challenges in clinical research.
But there's hope. Technology is rapidly improving oncology clinical research at the site level and beyond. Let’s look at some of the challenges in oncology trial execution, and how we can lean on technology to overcome them.
Oncology Recruitment and Enrollment: No Easy Feat
Recruitment and enrollment for oncology trials can be especially tricky. Patients with cancer often have comorbidities, which can make it more difficult to enroll them in trials. In fact, a study published in JAMA Oncology found that patients with cancer were more likely to have at least one comorbidity than patients without cancer. Tools like intelligent pre-screeners and trial matching can aid in enrollment for oncology trials with complex eligibility criteria.
Lack of trial awareness adds an extra layer of difficulty to recruitment in oncology—but it doesn’t have to. ProofPilot’s Study Finder features help to enhance trial visibility.
Study Outcomes in Oncology
Oncology trials have been shown to have the highest relative mean number of protocol deviations affecting more than 40% of patients enrolled in each trial, according to a study from Tufts. Protocol deviations negatively affect outcomes and safety, but they also cause delays and compromise compliance.
And let's not forget about the treatment regimens and monitoring involved in oncology clinical trials. Patients may receive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, which can have significant side effects. Imagine the importance of patient education, engagement, and support in oncology trials especially.
ProofPilot’s Study CoPilot provides centralized resources, organized, real-time communications, and seamless integrations to reduce protocol deviations and improve site and patient engagement for better oncology trial enrollment, execution, and outcomes. With these tools, we can accelerate the pace of research and bring new treatments to patients faster.
With more than 2 million new cancer cases expected in the United States in 2025 alone, the need for innovation and technology-driven solutions in oncology clinical research has never been more crucial. Let's come together to make a real difference in the fight against cancer.