Current Recruitment and Retention Strategies in Thyroid Cancer Clinical Trials: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Thyroid cancer incidence has significantly increased in the U.S. over recent decades. Despite a fair survival rate, early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for better outcomes. Discrepancies in incidence, diagnosis, and treatment among different demographic groups, particularly marginalized populations, hinder health outcomes. Clinical trials often lack diverse representation, limiting the applicability of findings. This study hypothesizes that current recruitment and retention strategies are ineffective for marginalized populations. By reviewing the literature, we aim to identify inclusion patterns, assess strategies for diverse representation, and propose recommendations to enhance inclusivity and generalizability in future research.

Methods: Our cross-sectional analysis used systematic review methods, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The study protocol was submitted to the IRB and uploaded to the Open Science Framework for transparency. We searched MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase for thyroid cancer clinical trials published from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2023. Eligibility criteria included trials with human subjects, assessing thyroid cancer treatment interventions, and conducted in locations with an Ethnic Fractionalization Index (EFI) of ≥ 0.3. Data extraction involved recording general and specific characteristics, including recruitment and retention strategies. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 18 SE.

Results: Our search yielded 708 articles, with 28 clinical trials meeting the inclusion criteria. Conducted between 2018 and 2023, these trials included both U.S. and international sites. None reported or implemented recruitment strategies for underrepresented communities, nor did they mention diversity goals or retention strategies. This absence highlights the ongoing underrepresentation of marginalized populations in thyroid cancer trials.

Conclusion: Our study highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving diversity in thyroid cancer clinical trials. The lack of effective recruitment and retention strategies for marginalized populations limits the generalizability of findings and negatively affects the health outcomes of these disadvantaged populations. Addressing these gaps requires methodological innovations and policy changes. Future research should prioritize diverse participant representation to improve the applicability and effectiveness of thyroid cancer treatments for all populations.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages54
StatePublished - 13 Sep 2024
Event2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health - Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, United States
Duration: 13 Sep 202413 Sep 2024

Conference

Conference2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health
Abbreviated titleSTRIDE 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityTahlequah
Period13/09/2413/09/24

Keywords

  • thyroid cancer
  • clinical trials
  • recruitment strategies
  • retention strategies
  • diversity
  • health equity

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