Clinical Trials, Disparities, and Financial Burden: It's Time to Intervene

Abstract

The additional financial burden of clinical trial participation and the lack of availability of trials at safety net facilities make it essentially impossible for underserved patients to participate. If allowed to continue, these trends will ensure that only affluent cancer patients will be able to participate in clinical trials. Interventions to better handle financial stresses and widespread policy change are necessary to optimize high-quality care for all patients with cancer.