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Cancer Clinical Trial Resources
Cancer Survivor Survey Results
A survey entitled “CANCER CLINICAL TRIALS AWARENESS AND ATTITUDES IN CANCER
SURVIVORS,” was conducted by the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups and
Northwestern University in 2005. Robert L. Comis, MD, president and chairman of
the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups and Jon D. Miller, PhD, professor
and director of the Center for Biomedical Communications at the Feinberg School
of Medicine, Northwestern University, developed the survey and analyzed its
data. The following information captures the results from nearly 2000 US cancer
survivors polled.
How many newly diagnosed cancer patients report that they were aware of the
possibility of participating in a cancer clinical trial at time of diagnosis?
Our 2005 survey found that 9% or less than 1 in 10 newly
diagnosed cancer patients were informed about the possibility of participating
in a cancer clinical trial by their physician. A majority of those offered the chance
to participate agreed to participate and a majority of those who tried to
enroll were accepted into a cancer clinical trial.
The most important factor in the decision to enroll was the encouragement and
assistance of a physician.
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Are there disparities in awareness among cancer patients with different tumor
types?
Are there disparities in awareness among cancer patients with different types of
treatment?
What percentage of cancer survivors participate in cancer clinical trials in
the United States?
What were the perceptions of advantages to enrollment in a Cancer Clinical
Trial among survivors who were aware of the possibility of a trial at the time
of diagnosis, and enrolled?
What were the sources of awareness of cancer clinical trials?
How many cancer patients are needed to complete all of the cancer clinical trials
currently underway in the United States? What are the consequences of a
shortfall in patient enrollment?
Currently, there are 4,970 cancer clinical trials underway in the United
States for the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of symptoms for
cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)1. Of
these studies, it is estimated that 3,200 pertain to the treatment of cancer.
NCI PDQ database. The NIH also reports that 1,405 of these studies are being
conducted through a National Cancer Institute sponsorship.
Through research, scientists unravel the mystery and complexity of cancer.
Cancer clinical trials are the only way we have of producing the data that can improve
cancer care. The results of cancer clinical trials have immediate influence on all
areas of cancer detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. A shortfall in
patient enrollment could lead to a slowing of scientific advances that may be
used in years ahead to prevent, diagnose or treat cancer.
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Are cancer survivors satisfied with their cancer clinical trial experience?
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