Opening Doors to Clinical Trials survey mentioned in Bay Area Reporter

Interest in clinical trials is high among members of the LGBTQ community and people of color, though participation rates are “alarmingly low,” according to the Opening Doors to Clinical Trials survey from the PAN Foundation that was released recently. The Bay Area Reporter interviewed Amy Niles, Chief Mission Officer, and Tony Newburne, patient advocate and member of PAN’s Patient and Family Advisory Council, in an article highlighting the survey findings and barriers to accessing clinical trials.

“I wouldn’t say there’s any one gatekeeper,” Niles told the Bay Area Reporter in a phone interview, adding that there are many reasons why someone might not be included in a clinical trial. Barriers to access include lack of awareness a trial is taking place, lack of communication from a health care provider, lack of trust in health professionals, and trial requirements, Niles added.

Newberne, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in his thirties, discussed his interest in participating in cancer treatment therapies.

“I’m gay and Black, so I’m part of that population that has been underrepresented,” he said. “But, again, I have a strong intention to participate and I just want to be allowed to be.”