Analysis of structural inequities in the availability of prostate cancer clinical trial opportunities

Prostate cancer is marked by vast disparities in clinical outcomes for minoritized and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. An analysis of the geographic distribution of prostate cancer clinical trial opportunities relative to prostate cancer mortality and social determinants of health has been published. Analysis of 1,575 counties in the United States with available data, found that increasing Social Vulnerability Index was associated with an increase in prostate cancer mortality (p<0.001), lower odds of having any trial (pxtagstartz0.001), and fewer population-adjusted trials (p<0.001). The authors conclude that identifying communities experiencing adverse social determinants of health for expansion of clinical trial opportunities and mitigation of barriers may be an impactful strategy towards improving equity in clinical trials and cancer care.