Enhancing access to breast cancer clinical trials with breastcancertrials.org and a dedicated clinical trial navigation program.

Abstract

e13506 Background: Despite the crucial role that breast cancer clinical trials play in advancing treatments, many patients are unaware of available opportunities to participate. Barriers to participation include a lack of information and limited discussions about trials between patients and their healthcare providers. Consequently, many patients attempt to find trials independently but often face challenges in navigating the process. To help patients seeking more information, BreastCancerTrials.org (BCT) offers a free, user-friendly search tool that provides plain-language summaries of trials. Additionally, a newly implemented Clinical Trial Navigation Program provides clinical trial education, guidance, trial matching, and enhances patient-provider communication to facilitate trial enrollment. Methods: BCT manually translates all trials listed on ClinicalTrials.gov into plain language, making it easier for patients to understand trial details and determine if they meet eligibility criteria. The platform allows individuals to match to trials based on demographics, diagnosis, and treatment information, whether they are healthy high-risk individuals, early-stage patients, survivors, or living with metastatic disease. The Clinical Trial Navigation Program provides personalized support via email, phone, or scheduled appointments, along with public online Q&A sessions. The navigator helps patients understand medical reports and identify eligible trials. Results: Data shows that many patients search for trials independently. The total number of users visiting the site in 2024, including new and returning users, was 10,447. Those seeking navigation support totaled 155, including 85 calls/emails and 70 navigation appointments. Additionally, two virtual Q&A sessions were held with 89 users registered and 42 attending. Common concerns included finding specific types of trials, help with determining eligibility, and how to find a trial located close to home. Conclusions: The BCT search tool and navigation program make finding clinical trials more accessible to patients. Preliminary data from the Clinical Trial Navigation program indicate that these efforts have been well-received, particularly with metastatic breast cancer patients who commonly face complex treatment options and require additional assistance in understanding trial eligibility. Many questions centered around trial proximity, eligibility, and specific cancer subtypes which illustrates the importance of providing tailored guidance to patients based on their unique circumstances. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term impact of these interventions on trial enrollment and patient outcomes.