(360) Identifying Enrollment Barriers in Oncology Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review

Objective : This systematic review aims to create a current understanding of the multifaceted challenges hindering patient enrollment in oncology clinical trials.

Methods: A comprehensive exploration will be undertaken across four prominent scientific databases, namely PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection, to identify studies published in English within the United States from 2018 to 2024. The study selection process will employ a systematic four-phase screening procedure, guided by predefined inclusion criteria. To ensure transparency and reproducibility, the methodology will strictly adhere to established systematic review guidelines, particularly following the PRISMA framework.
The data extraction phase will involve the use of a standardized form designed to capture pertinent information. Subsequently, thematic analysis will be applied to categorize the extracted data into four distinct domains: patient-related, provider-related, trial-related, and institutional factors influencing enrollment.

Results: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of barriers hindering patient enrollment in oncology clinical trials. Anticipated findings include categorization of enrollment barriers across various domains such as patient-related factors (demographics, socioeconomic status, health literacy), provider-related factors (limited awareness of trials, time constraints), trial-related factors (eligibility criteria, study complexity), and institutional factors (bureaucratic hurdles, lack of infrastructure).

Conclusions: By systematically analyzing recent research, this review will offer an up-to-date understanding of challenges impacting oncology clinical trial enrollment. This knowledge can inform evidence-based strategies to improve patient access to treatment options and advance cancer research. Identification of key barriers will guide targeted interventions to enhance patient accrual in clinical trials, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective cancer therapies.