Nov 19, 2024
Immunotherapy and targeted therapies have transformed the way patients are treated and allow more patients than ever before to survive stage IV diagnoses. Other key advancements in oncology being prioritized in Puerto Rico today include early detection and prevention efforts. However, a lack of education, access, and health insurance coverage often prevents community members from timely cancer screenings. The same factors contribute to a lack of diversity in clinical trials, as noted by Dr. Marcia Cruz-Correa. Both these important issues require a community-based approach, through building advisory groups, working with local oncologists, and reaching community members where they are in a way they understand.
Guest:
Marcia Cruz-Correa, MD, PhD, AGAF, FASGE
Executive
Director
Centro
Comprensivo de Cáncer de la Universidad de
Puerto
San
Juan, Puerto Rico
Quote:
“Less than 5% of patients in the US participate in clinical trials...and less than 5% of that [group] is diverse. That’s a huge disadvantage...If you don’t include the patients who will eventually be taking the drugs developed by pharmaceutical companies, how do you know it will work for them?”
Read more global perspectives from the international panelists who spoke at the October ACCC 41st National Oncology Conference in this ACCCBuzz blog.
Additional Resources:
Bridging the Gap: Early Detection of Cancer for the Medically Underserved – Oncology Issues
Effective Patient-Provider Communication for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Multi-Cancer Early Detection: Legislative Landscape— [PODCAST] EP 99
Examining Clinical Research for Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
2023 NMQF Summit: Improving Diversity in Cancer Clinical Trials