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- Title
Participation in Clinical Trials as Viewed by the Patient: Understanding Cultural and Emotional Aspects Which Influence Choice.
- Authors
Catania, Chiara; De Pas, Tommaso; Goldhirsch, Aron; Radice, Davide; Adamoli, Laura; Medici, Marta; Verri, Elena; Marenghi, Cristina; de Braud, Filippo; Nolé, Franco
- Abstract
Background: Patients invited to take part in a clinical trial may evoke an archetype on which they may base their decision of adherence to participation, instead of on the study itself. Methods: A 17-item, multiple choice questionnaire was developed, tested and then administered to 102 Italian-speaking patients with advanced lung or breast cancers who had never been exposed to participation in a trial. Results: The questionnaire was answered by all patients. Eighty-five percent were positive about trial participation. Demographic factors did not influence patients’ willingness to participate. Trust in the investigator (76%) or in the institute (64%) and hope of receiving a new chance for cure (78%) were cited as reasons to accept participation. A minority was concerned by potential conflicts of interest (31%) or the thought of being ‘guinea pigs’ (36%), and feared that doctors were interested in advancing their own research, even though there were more efficient drugs available (28%). Fifty percent feared receiving a little-known medicine, and 76% considered that a thorough explanation of toxicity/safety of the proposed treatment helped them decide. Conclusion: Several prejudices, fears and some hopes have been captured by the questionnaire. Understanding such specifics will improve patient information leading patients to a more conscious motivation in deciding whether to participate in a clinical trial. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
- Subjects
CLINICAL trials; CANCER patients; MEDICAL communication; LUNG cancer; BREAST cancer; QUESTIONNAIRES
- Publication
Oncology, 2008, Vol 74, Issue 3/4, p177
- ISSN
0030-2414
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1159/000151365