Inequality in Cancer Clinical Trials

In past few weeks multiple instances have prompted me to ponder over inequalities in life. Those interested in them can read here and here.
A recent article published in JCO talks about inequality in recruitment of patients for clinical trials. It is well know that older patients are underrepresented in clinical trials. This get compounded further if they are economically poor. In short poor, elderly patients do not get to participate much in clinical trials. Also if you are less educated chances are you will not participate in a clinical tril.

Musings:
1. Older population needs to be adequately represented in clinical trials to ensure that in "real life" they do not suffer. This is essential for many reasons like, their cardiac, renal reserves are different from young patients. So the effect of drugs need to be know in older patients. Also they are on multiple medications and drug interactions are a common problem.

2. Why income is a barrier to participate in clinical trials? This needs deeper thought. Referring physicians need to be made more aware to ensure patients participation in clinical trials.

A long way to go................