Advancing racial representation in clinical trials: An analysis of 53 ASCO plenary and late-breaking abstracts using the DRIVE score.

Abstract

e23007 Background: Despite significant efforts to address inequities in oncology research, underrepresented minoritized populations in clinical research enforce persisting disparities in cancer treatment, contributing to poorer cancer mortality outcomes. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) upholds the principle: “Every cancer. Every patient. Everywhere,” emphasizing the need for inclusive representation in the research it champions. The DRIVE ranking score, outlined in Practical Strategies for Creating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access in Cancer Clinical Research: DRIVE, assesses representation in clinical trials. Adequate representation is essential for data transportability, generalizability, and validation. This study evaluates ethnic diversity in cancer research by analyzing DRIVE scores from ASCO plenary and late-breaking abstracts, defining a minimum DRIVE score of 3 as the benchmark for racial representation and clinical excellence. Methods: Between 2011 and 2024, 56 plenary and late-breaking abstracts were presented at ASCO annual meetings. A systematic review identified 39 involving adult human participants in the United States. 1 Each study was assessed for demographic data inclusion and the reporting of participants’ racial/ethnic composition. A DRIVE Score (0-5) was assigned to each study, with a designation of “N/A” given if no demographic data were reported. Demographic information was recorded as it was available at time of presentation. Results: A DRIVE score cannot be calculated without demographic data, and our study revealed an overwhelming lack of such data in many trials. Only 39 abstracts met our criteria for analysis, and of these, just 13 studies provided sufficient information to calculate a DRIVE score. Furthermore, only 8 studies achieved the threshold for “clinical excellence ” in representation, as defined by a minimumDRIVE score of 3. Conclusions: ASCO, as a leading organization, must ensure transparency with patients, clinicians, and scientists while promoting reliable and inclusive data. This analysis reveals a significant gap in representing diverse populations in clinical research discussed at its events. Currently, ASCO discusses each plenary abstract post-presentation. Incorporating the DRIVE Score into these sessions could set a standard for evaluating research generalizability and transportability. By prioritizing diversity in clinical research, ASCO can bridge health disparities and improve outcomes for all cancer patients. 1 Pediatric and international studies were excluded due to DRIVE Score Calculator’s current limitations. Year Clinical Trial Name(s) Score(s) 2011 BRIM3 0 2012 EMILIA 3 2013 Phase III DECISION 3 2014 CHAARTED, Phase III ALTTO, SOFT Trials 1, 3, 2 2015 CheckMate 067 1 2017 OlympiAD 3 2018 TAILORx, KEYNOTE-042 3, 3 2021 VISION, OUTBACK Trial 1, 5 2023 ADAURA 3