Estimating per patient funding for cancer clinical trials: An Ontario based survey

Despite the similarities of the regional cancer centres across the province of Ontario, there were surprisingly large differences in the submitted budgets. No centre consistently produced the highest or lowest estimates. The majority of the differences appeared to be based on the range in estimates for professional support (nurse and physician), and the required radiology investigations. For centres that negotiate specific per patient funding amounts with industry, this data would suggest a need to better understand the budgeting process and its link to appropriate resource identification to ensure appropriate funding is obtained. These issues are likely not unique to oncology.