New Study Reveals Key Factors Influencing Patient Recruitment in Oncology Clinical Trials

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in BJC Reports has shed light on the critical factors that impact patient recruitment in phase I oncology trials. Researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research conducted a retrospective study involving 1671 patients, finding that polypharmacy and comorbidity have a significant association with trial recruitment, time on trial, and healthcare service utilization. The study's findings suggest that patients with polypharmacy have lower recruitment rates to phase I trials, while those with comorbidity have a shorter time on trial.

Key Takeaways:

  • Polypharmacy is associated with lower recruitment to phase I trials, with an odds ratio of 0.95 (95% CI: [0.92, 0.99], p = 0.01).
  • Comorbidity is not associated with lower recruitment but is associated with a shorter time on trial, with a hazard ratio of 0.75 (95% CI: [0.62, 0.90], p 0.001).
  • The study found no significant association between demographic factors (such as ethnicity, distance of residence, and index of multiple deprivation) and patient inclusion and healthcare delivery in phase I oncology trials.
  • The researchers suggest that polypharmacy and comorbidity should be considered both in the design of phase I oncology trials and in planning for healthcare utilization during these trials.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering baseline comorbidity and demographic features to improve trial design and patient outcomes.

Statistics:

  • 1671 patients were considered for allocation to a phase I study.
  • 518 patients were recruited to a phase I study, while 1153 patients were not.
  • Polypharmacy was associated with a 5% decrease in recruitment to phase I trials (odds ratio: 0.95).
  • Comorbidity was associated with 25% decrease in time on trial (hazard ratio: 0.75).
  • The study found a 10% increase in emergency admissions among patients with polypharmacy (risk ratio: 1.1).

Sources:

  • A retrospective study of the impact of comorbidity, polypharmacy and demographic factors on patient inclusion and healthcare delivery in phase I oncology trials. BJC Reports, 2025,3(1):1-6.
  • Nature Portfolio.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1038/s44276-025-00165-y
  • Institute of Cancer Research.