Perceived Burdens Predict Patients’ Withdrawal From Cancer Trials
Part and parcel of the search for improved treatment of cancer is the Clinical Trial. Recruiting suitable patients for trials and retaining them is problematic. This study looks at why recruits join trials and seeks to predict which of these will leave the trial early.
The result showed that the likelihood of completing the trial depended on a balance between the benefits of the trial compared to the burden of participation. The benefits reported included access to medication not otherwise available, better interaction with carers, feeling good about helping others, and possible cure. The burdens of clinical trials were listed as; possible placebo treatment, lifestyle disruption, and drug side effects.
When asked prior to trial commencement, 334 participants showed a good understanding of the benefits and burdens. Those who thought the benefits outweighed the burdens were more likely to complete the trial. Understanding this may help with recruitment and retention.
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