E X P E R T I N S I G H T S
clinical research . A recent Lancet report identified nearly 1,988 cancer trials were conducted between 2007 and 2021 in India , offering promise for testing new treatments and expanding our understanding of the disease . However , even within this positive research landscape , disparities emerge that warrant attention and intervention .
The majority of these trials ( 63 %) focus primarily on treatment , emphasizing the urgent need for new therapeutic options . While this aligns with addressing common cancers prevalent in the country , certain critical areas such as surgery optimization ( 19 %), toxicity mitigation ( 10.6 %), and symptom management ( 7.6 %) are neglected . Solid tumours dominate the trial landscape , with head neck , and cervical cancers . However , the North- Eastern states , burdened with a high incidence of cancer , face limited availability of clinical trials , posing challenges for patients in these regions to access potentially life-saving interventions .
Interpretation for Clinical Trials in Cancer
The Clinical Trials Registry — India ( CTRI ), launched in 2007 , aims to bridge some of these gaps . A detailed examination of its data reveals concerning disparities when compared to the United States . Between 2007 and 2017 , India conducted only 350
interv entional cancer trials , a significant contrast to the 2066 trials registered in the US in 2017 alone . This stark difference underscores the urgency for India to accelerate and expand its research efforts in cancer .
Moreover , geographical disparities persist , with limited access to therapeutic trials even in states with the highest availability . The accessibility gap is further exaggerated by disparities between academic and industry-sponsored trials , posing challenges for certain patient populations to participate in clinical research . India ’ s favourable clinical trial eco-system ( advancing medical infrastructure , English speaking qualified investigators , diverse patient population , and rigorous adherence to international regulatory and ethical standards ) provides an excellent opportunity to conduct more and more interventional clinical trials in this country . Closing these gaps in clinical trial accessibility is vital to ensure equitable opportunities for diverse populations to benefit from advancements in cancer treatment .
By bridging the essential data gaps , India can empower research endeavours , tailoring interventions , and ultimately save lives . It is a call to action – an opportunity to transform the landscape of cancer care , ensuring that every individual , irrespective of their location or background , has access to the best possible cancer
40
BioVoiceNews | March / April 2024