Building a statewide clinical trials network for cancer care in West Virginia

W V Med J. 2009 Oct;105 Spec No(Spec No):6-11.

Abstract

In the United States, mortality rates have been declining for certain tumors, For the majority of advanced stage cancer types, cure is unattainable but treatment is still evolving. Advances in the treatment of cancer can be achieved by enrolling patients in cancer clinical trials. Presently, less than 3% of adult cancer patients participate on clinical trials in the United States. Providing cancer care and access to clinical trials are a challenge in a rural state, with a dispersed population base, such as West Virginia. Building upon recognition of barriers to clinical trials awareness and access, oncology leaders in the state are in the formative stages of developing a statewide cancer clinical trials network. Realization of this network will have an enormous impact on cancer care in our state and perhaps can serve as a model for other community and physician teams for other diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic*
  • Community Networks / organization & administration*
  • Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Patient Selection*
  • Research Support as Topic / organization & administration*
  • Rural Health Services
  • West Virginia