Knowledge and attitudes towards clinical trials among women with ovarian cancer: results of the ACTO study
Whether or not women understand the nature of clinical trials is a concern for ethics committees and us all. Increasingly women with ovarian cancer are being asked to be participants in clinical trials. Often the women themselves seek to join a trial hoping for better outcomes.
This survey looked at how well women, with ovarian cancer; understand what a clinical trial involves and what factors were likely to have encouraged them to participate.
Data from 348 women, who presented with ovarian cancer at one institution, showed that although 80% of them had been involved in trials, only 60% knew what a clinical trial was, 70% understood informed consent and 50% appreciated the concept of randomisation. Almost all of the women reported encouragement from their treating physician as the most important recruitment factor.
These findings are alarming and show there is obviously a great need for education and improved communication.
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