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
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.
Recommended Citation
Romero, Alexis, "Hispanic Participant Perspectives on the Impact of Patient Navigation Strategies on Enrollment in NonHodgkin Lymphoma Clinical Trials" (2025). CMC Senior Theses. 3842.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/3842
Included in
Accessibility Commons, Cancer Biology Commons, Health Services Research Commons, Hematology Commons, Hemic and Immune Systems Commons, Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases Commons, Laboratory and Basic Science Research Commons, Medical Education Commons, Oncology Commons, Quality Improvement Commons, Research Methods in Life Sciences Commons