Harnessing diversity: Examining the feasibility of conducting oncology trials in South Africa.

Abstract

e23028 Background: The global landscape of oncology research has increasingly recognized the importance of including diverse populations in clinical trials. However, many oncology trials are still predominantly conducted in Western, high-income countries, under-enrolling non-Caucasian subjects at the expense of examining the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that influence cancer outcomes in different populations. This study aimed to identify the demographic, regulatory, and economic factors supporting the consideration of South Africa for oncology clinical trials. Methods: A review of enrolling oncology trials in South Africa and national health data was completed, examining patient demographics, cancer incidence and prevalence, and sites qualified by training, experience, and facilities. Results: Data collected via the South African National Cancer Registry (NCR) confirm a rising incidence of cancer in South Africa, with high incidence rates of breast, prostate, cervical, colorectal, lung, and basal cell carcinoma. Cross-referencing these incidence rates with well qualified clinical research sites and active clinical studies demonstrates high enrollment opportunities in a genetically diverse population. Conclusions: South Africa has high potential as a location to conduct oncology clinical trials, improving the genetic diversity of enrolled subjects and potentially accelerating enrollment in several high incidence cancer indications.