Aaron C. Denson|Amit Mahipal
Participation of the Elderly Population in Clinical Trials: Barriers and Solutions
University of South Florida|Moffitt Cancer Center
backgrounddespite fact cancer disproportionately affects elderly participants clinical cancer trials relatively young misrepresentation greatly affects oncology treatment elderly population 65 years age studies attempted identify problems related discrepancy based age clinical trial participation methodsa literature review performed identify barriers solutions enrollment elderly persons clinical cancer trials resultsphysicianrelated barriers include perception treatment tolerance drug metabolism lack evidence efficacy age bias lack autonomy concerns quality life toxicities accessibility clinical trials logistical financial difficulties common patientrelated barriers trialrelated barriers include eligibility criteria based performance status organ dysfunction presence comorbidities solutions improved communication coordinating logistical challenges may help overcome challenges studies designed geriatric population could modify perception behavior health care professionals improve patient participation clinical trials conclusionsimplementing solutions increased research may help overcome shortfalls elderly enrollment thus allowing effective treatment older patients