Researcher ORCID Identifier

0009-0006-2210-6545

Graduation Year

2025

Date of Submission

12-2024

Document Type

Open Access Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Biology

Reader 1

Anna Wenzel

Reader 2

Chijioke Nze

Terms of Use & License Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Abstract

This study examines the barriers and supports influencing Hispanic patients' enrollment in oncology clinical trials at a well-resourced academic center, highlighting the need to address healthcare disparities and improve accessibility.

To assess patient considerations regarding participation in therapeutic clinical trials, including perceived barriers, potential resources to facilitate participation, and willingness to engage in various trial scenarios, we developed a 52-item questionnaire available in both English and Spanish. Eligible patients treated in the Texas Medical Center at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, who self-identified as Hispanic or Non-Hispanic White, were aged 18 years or older, and had a histologically confirmed diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, were invited to participate. Surveys were offered in paper form, on tablets, or via email to accommodate patient preferences, and data collected included demographics, perceived barriers, and potential facilitators for trial participation.

Hispanic participants were younger (median age 60 vs. 66 years), less likely male (54% vs. 66%), less educated (38% vs. 50.5% with a bachelor’s degree), and less likely to have discussed (49% vs. 70.9%) or participated in clinical trials (28% vs. 51.5%). Common concerns included trial costs (34% H, 22.3% NHW), distance to treatment (32%, 13.6%), and contact frequency with care teams (26%, 14.6%). Facilitators like written materials (69% H, 60.2% NHW), insurance aid, and videos were widely endorsed. Participants prioritized treatments that improved quality of life, such as reducing pain or enhancing activity levels.

Addressing systemic barriers such as cost, transportation, and communication gaps between healthcare providers and patients and implementing tailored interventions to address these barriers and supports are essential steps toward improving Hispanic representation and participation in lymphoma clinical trials.

Available for download on Wednesday, December 09, 2026

Share

COinS