Patterns of Oncological Clinical Trials in African Countries: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Africa has increasingly participated in clinical trials; however, there is limited literature on the trends of oncological clinical trial registration. This study aims to review the patterns of oncological clinical trials conducted in Africa between 2000 and 2024. Three major trial registries-Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR), ClinicalTrials.gov (CTG), and the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN)-were utilized. Data were extracted and analyzed descriptively using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation). CTG recorded the highest number of registered trials (n = 458), followed by PACTR (n = 148) and ISRCTN (n = 69). Egypt, Algeria, and South Africa contributed the most to these registrations. The number of trials gradually increased after 2010, peaking between 2018 and 2019. Randomized study designs were the most common, representing at least 80% of trials in the CTG and PACTR registries. Breast and cervical cancers were the most frequently studied cancer types, although few trials had published results. The completeness of trial information varied by registry: CTG (47.8%), PACTR (33.1%), and ISRCTN (84.1%). Only the ISRCTN registry consistently reported data on registration timing, whereas phases II and III were the most commonly represented trial phases in the CTG and ISRCTN registries. In conclusion, although there has been a gradual increase in oncological clinical trial activity in Africa, published outcomes remain limited. This study highlights the need to improve trial registration practices and promote the timely publication of results across the continent.