Comparing attitudes of younger and older patients towards cancer clinical trials

ObjectivesTo determine the attitudes of patients towards cancer clinical trials (CCTs) and assess the differences between older and younger patients.Materials and MethodsPatients with cancer, receiving treatment or in follow-up in University Hospital Waterford, Ireland were eligible. Patients completed a self-administered questionnaire. To determine attitudes towards CCTs, patients indicated their preference if offered participation in three hypothetical studies (cancer prevention/screening trial; CCT comparing standard to new treatment; a trial of new drug where no standard exists). Patients' reasons to or not to participate in CCTs were explored.ResultsFrom May 2014 to March 2015, 219 patients were accrued, 119 < 65 years and 100 ≥ 65 years. Twenty-two (18%) younger and 4 (4%) older patients had been/were actively enrolled on a CCT (p = 0.0012). No older patient and 5 (4%) of younger patients had enquired about CCT availability. For the CCT questions, 85 (71%) younger vs 57 (57%) older patients would participate in a prevention/screening CCT (p = 0.033); 60 (50%) vs 44 (44%) for standard vs new drug (p = 0.415), and 83 (69%) vs 78 (78%) for a CCT where no standard exists (p = 0.218). The most common reason to participate in a CCT was a recommendation from the oncologist − 98% < 65 years vs 87% ≥ 65 years (p = 0.001), with health problems being the leading reason not to participate, 86% vs 72% (p = 0.01), respectively.ConclusionsOlder and younger patients in this study gave similar importance to reasons for and against participation in CCTs. Most patients did not actively seek out a CCT, which may reflect a lack of awareness and a need for better education.