Cancer clinical trial participants reimbursed a median $2,128 for nonmedical expenses

A new study published in the journal CANCER has revealed that cancer clinical trial participants often face significant nonmedical expenses, such as travel, lodging, and child care, that can impede their ability to participate in these trials. The Lazarex Cancer Foundation has taken steps to address this issue by providing financial reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs from 2006 to 2024 for patients enrolled in therapeutic cancer clinical trials at various U.S. sites.

In the analysis of 2,826 participants who received reimbursements, the median total per-patient reimbursement amounted to $2,128. The average duration of trial participation was 4.3 months. Importantly, the study found that monthly reimbursed amounts declined substantially throughout the trial period, reaching 60% of initial levels by the third month. The program's reimbursement was contingent upon the absence of financial support from the trial sponsor or site.

The types and amounts of expenses varied based on patients' income levels, with internet access, ground transportation, and child care or elder care being more common among those with lower incomes, while lodging and airfare were more prevalent among higher-income participants. Adjustments were made to account for differences in monthly reimbursed amounts among participants from various socioeconomic backgrounds, those living farther from trial sites, and those enrolled in phase 1 trials.

Lead author Dr. Sukh Makhnoon emphasized that covering the costs of travel, lodging, and other nonmedical expenses represents a relatively small investment compared to the overall cost of running cancer clinical trials. He highlighted that these costs decline significantly over time and could be a practical and cost-effective way to reduce financial barriers, thereby increasing equitable access to and retention in cancer clinical trials.