Examining the impact of prior cancer on eligibility for clinical trials

Revisiting Prior Cancer as an Exclusion Criterion for Cancer Clinical Trials

NIH-funded research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10693085

This study is looking at how often cancer survivors are left out of clinical trials because of their past cancer, and it aims to show how this affects older patients with different types of cancer, like breast and colorectal cancer, so that more survivors can participate in research and get better treatment options.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project IDNIH-10693085 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the common practice of excluding cancer survivors from clinical trials due to their prior cancer history. It aims to systematically review how this exclusion criterion is applied in National Cancer Institute-sponsored trials and assess its impact on mortality rates among older patients with various cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer. By analyzing high-quality data from the SEER-Medicare database, the study seeks to provide evidence that could lead to more inclusive trial eligibility criteria, ultimately improving access for cancer survivors. The findings will be shared with clinical trial leaders and patient advocates to promote changes in research practices.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have a history of cancer and are currently diagnosed with one of the six targeted cancer types.

Not a fit: Patients who have never been diagnosed with cancer or those with cancers not included in the study may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable more cancer survivors to participate in clinical trials, potentially leading to better treatment options and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that revising eligibility criteria can enhance trial participation, suggesting that this approach may yield significant benefits.

Where this research is happening

Dallas, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast CancerCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.