ASCO and ACCC Release Joint Recommendations to Increase Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Clinical Trials

ASCO and the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) jointly released recommendations that address the lack of equity, diversity, and inclusion in cancer clinical trials. Published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology,¹ their recommendations detail specific actions to engage the entire cancer clinical trial ecosystem in expanding the participation of underrepresented individuals in research that advances progress against cancer.

“Ensuring that every individual with cancer has an opportunity to participate in high-quality, equitable cancer research will take a concentrated effort by all stakeholders,” said ASCO Board Chair Lori J. Pierce, MD, FASTRO, FASCO, who is Co-Chair of the ASCO-ACCC Steering Group.

Inclusive Participation in Clinical Trials

The ASCO-ACCC research statement underscores that inclusive participation in clinical trials is necessary to understand potential differences in efficacy and safety across diverse populations, mitigate racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes, and promote equity and justice. Progress to address barriers and increase diversity, however, remains elusive, and change has been slow.

“Our joint research statement offers a useful and holistic guide for addressing barriers at the clinician, patient, trial, and research program levels,” said ACCC Past President Randall A. Oyer, MD, and Co-Chair of the ASCO-ACCC Steering Group.

Key Areas of Focus

The recommendations focus on the following key areas that address barriers to cancer clinical trials:

• Access to Clinical Trials
• Equity-Focused Design
• Partnerships Among Stakeholder Groups
• Continuous Education and Training
• Investment in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Sharing Data and Strategies.

The full ASCO-ACCC Research Statement¹ clarifies which clinical trial stakeholders would be instrumental in implementing specific recommendations, while encouraging all research stakeholders to help achieve the goal of ensuring cancer clinical trials reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of people with cancer.

Learn more about the ASCO-ACCC Collaboration and all ASCO’s health equity initiatives on asco.org/equity. Visit accc-cancer.org/equity for resources and education from ACCC. 

© 2022. American Society of Clinical Oncology. All rights reserved.

REFERENCE

1. Oyer RA, Hurley P, Boehmer L, et al: Increasing racial and ethnic diversity in cancer clinical trials: An American Society of Clinical Oncology and Association of Community Cancer Centers Joint Research Statement. J Clin Oncol. May 19, 2022 (early release online).