Abstract 172: Predictors of breast cancer clinical trial participation by logistic regression analysis in minority women residing in medically underserved regions.
Authors: Carter Monique J. , Davis Tracy A. 
Published: August 2014

Background

Enrollment investigation literature estimates that 3% of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients participate in clinical trials annually in the United States. Participation levels decrease significantly when varied by race and geographic location. African American women, specifically those residing in medically underserved regions, are historically underrepresented in clinical trials as compared to their white/non-Hispanic counterparts. The focus of this study is to capture characteristics of African American women who would participate in a breast cancer trial. Significant trial participation factors were identified using logistic regression analysis.

Methods

Using data from the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR), U.S. Census Bureau, and Survey Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Database, Cherokee County, Texas was identified as a medically underserved region. We collected opinions about breast cancer clinical trial participation by surveying 13 local stakeholders (including breast cancer survivors, religious leaders, community leaders, local hospital employees and educators) within the minority community. On the basis of stakeholder survey results and health disparities literature review, a relevant and culturally sensitive survey was developed to identify the different demographic, economic and social characteristics in the general minority female population. A total of 115 surveys of African American women were planned. The sample size was calculated based on the percentage of African American women residing in Cherokee County with a 95% level of confidence and a +/-5% margin of error. Logistic regression analysis revealed the association of characteristics with trial participation.

Results

At the time of this analysis, 44 surveys were completed between 06/2012 and 10/2012. Median age of participants was 43 years (range 31-65), 100% were African American women residing in rural Cherokee County. Age, cancer diagnosis of a relative, education level, and religious institution affiliation were associated with trial participation in unadjusted analyses. Multi-variative analyses indicate that patient age was the strongest independent predictor of trial participation. Insurance coverage and income level were also observed interaction effects. The most common reason reported for trial participation was altruism.

Conclusion

Interim results of this study reveal correlation between the potential of African American women to participate in clinical trials and the following factors: age, family history of cancer, and religious institution affiliation. Further understanding of this relationship will possibly contribute to the development of intervention initiatives and policies to influence those who are adverse to such participation.

Citation Format: Monique J. Carter, Tracy A. Davis. Predictors of breast cancer clinical trial participation by logistic regression analysis in minority women residing in medically underserved regions. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 172. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-172