Multiple myeloma can affect different racial groups in different ways, especially since clinical trials are often skewed without equal representation. For example, around 20% of people affected by multiple myeloma are Black, but only 6% of participants in multiple myeloma clinical trials are Black.
This study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology for the 2022 ASCO Annual Meeting, discussed the attitudes Black multiple myeloma patients hold toward clinical trials to identify possible barriers to clinical trial participation. The Cancer Support Community conducted an online survey in 2021 to obtain data on the barriers and perceptions of clinical trials among Black multiple myeloma patients and their caregivers or partners. Survey questions were formed and compiled with input from previous focus groups.
Ultimately, it was found that of 195 patients and caregivers surveyed, 62% were male, and 90% were African American. At the time of the survey, around half of the survey participants were enrolled or had previously been enrolled in a clinical trial. The most common reasons for not participating in a clinical trial were fear of side effects (46%), fear of being treated with a placebo (38%), and discomfort with the thought of random treatment assignments (56%).
In closing, these survey results provide insight into how researchers can approach overcoming barriers to clinical trial participation in African Americans with multiple myeloma. Encouraging Blacks to participate in clinical trials; compensating them for time off work, transportation, and childcare; and alleviating any fears or worries are paramount to improving inequities in multiple myeloma care [1].
Source:
[1] Saxton, C., Cutforth, A., Gonzalo, M. B., Nichols, H., & Fearnley, K. (2022, June). Understanding barriers and facilitators to clinical trial participation among Black patients with multiple myeloma [Poster session]. 2022 ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL. https://meetings.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/209500
