Bias could explain the exclusion of minorities in cancer trials

Inherent bias in people responsible for recruiting clinical trial participants could be partially to blame for why individuals from some minority groups are often excluded from trials. Researchers interviewed 91 individuals across five major cancer centers in the U.S. — from research staff to heads of the cancer centers. Five major themes emerged from these interviews, including perceptions that minority participants are less knowledgeable about clinical trials and therefore more difficult to communicate with about such trials. There was also a perception that minorities wouldn't follow trial protocols, while others didn't think that race ought to be a consideration when recruiting for trials. The authors suggest a framework for addressing such bias, including diversifying the workforce responsible for trial recruitment.