Increasing participation of minorities in cancer clinical trials: summary of the "Moving Beyond the Barriers" Conference in North Carolina

Abstract

A day-long seminar was held at Wake Forest University School of Medicine to address barriers among ethnic minorities in cancer clinical trials and explore ways that individuals who design and conduct clinical trials could increase minority representation. Speakers addressed implications of under-representation of minorities and identified barriers to minority participation. State-wide focus group results were presented and revealed suspicion of medical research among minorities and the need for bridging to minority communities to improve participation in cancer clinical trials. Working groups assembled and identified barriers specific to trial design, providers, and participants. Attendees were encouraged to devise strategies within their institutions to overcome barriers to minority participation.