Briefing on Geographical Access to Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Trials

A retrospective trend analysis examined geographical access to head and neck cancer clinical trials in the United States between 2005 and 2024 using census data and the Haversine formula. Results were published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.

The researchers conducted a search of ClinicalTrials.gov and identified 23,450 trial sites, with 18,394 of trials beginning before 2020. Linear regression revealed a slight annual increase in trial initiation (37.947 trials/year; R²=0.014; P=0.625), but most observed trends did not reach statistical significance.

The proportion of the population residing within 1 mile of a trial saw a minor increase (0.328%/year; R² = 0.178; P =0.064); accessibility remained consistent throughout the COVID-19 pandemic despite a decline in trial initiation during 2020.

Because head and neck cancers are becoming more common, enhancing access to trials, especially for marginalized populations, “could improve patient engagement and clinical results,” the researchers noted.

Source

Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery