Understanding why fewer young cancer patients join clinical trials
Official title: Disparities in Clinical Trial Enrollment among Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-10931352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why fewer teenagers and young adults with cancer are joining clinical trials, especially in Louisiana, New Mexico, and Tennessee, so we can find ways to make it easier for them to participate and improve their chances of recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $546,961 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA274484-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931352 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 12-29 who have been diagnosed with cancer, particularly those from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12-29 or those not diagnosed with cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the low enrollment rates of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer in clinical trials, which are crucial for improving their treatment outcomes. The study will focus on identifying barriers that prevent AYAs aged 12-29 from participating in these trials, particularly among underrepresented groups in Louisiana, New Mexico, and Tennessee. By examining factors such as race, ethnicity, geography, and socioeconomic status, the research aims to uncover insights that could enhance trial participation and ultimately improve survival rates for this age group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to increased enrollment of young cancer patients in clinical trials, improving their treatment options and survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has highlighted disparities in clinical trial enrollment among older adults, suggesting that addressing these barriers could lead to improved outcomes, making this approach both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mack, Jennifer W — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Mack, Jennifer W
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.