Incorporating cultural values and use of technology platforms may help outreach Asian Americans in cancer clinical trial participation

Abstract

Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in U.S. However, they represent only 1.7% of U.S. cancer clinical trial participants. This pilot study describes findings on barriers, promoters and recommendations related to cancer clinical trial participation from Asian Americans. The research team conducted 3 focus groups comprised of 21 community members and 4 key informant interviews with healthcare providers. Qualitative methodology was used to identify themes about cancer clinical trial participation. Barriers and promoters were categorized based on themes identified and previous study findings. Eight major themes and 5 recommendations were identified from the focus group data. Five major themes and 7 recommendations were identified from the key informant data. Asian Americans’ decision to participate in cancer clinical trials is largely influenced by their cultural values and practices such as altruism and family-based decision making process. Technology platforms provide promising venues to reach Asian Americans. Family-based decision making process, altruism, and the use of technology platforms may need to be considered when outreaching to Asian Americans on cancer clinical trial participation.