Abstract B103: Moving the needle: Values and communication strategies of clinical investigators for clinical trial recruitment

Abstract Introduction: Recruitment to oncologic clinical trials is influenced by many factors, including trial availability, patient (pt) barriers, and provider pt selection and discussion. As part of a broader study on communication strategies (CS) related to oncology clinical trial (CT) enrollment among clinical investigators (CI) and their impact on recruitment of diverse pt populations, we describe the CS of a sample of CIs at a single comprehensive cancer center. Methods: We conducted semi-structured in-person or virtual interviews with a convenience sample of 12 CIs at our institution who had high rates of pts consented for interventional therapeutic CTs from 2018 to 2023. All CIs were asked a standardized series of open ended questions and responses were categorized into 5 categories. We describe characteristics of patients who consented for CT amongst these CI and summarize their CS responses. Results: For the 12 CIs interviewed, the combined number of pt who signed consent was 1539, with a median of 131.5 pts enrolled per CI (range=16 to 215). Of these patients, 12% were non-White race and/or Hispanic ethnicity. Malignancy types included gastrointestinal, genitourinary, thoracic, head & neck, sarcoma, and melanoma. All CIs reported 1) introducing CTs prior to exhaustion of standard of care therapies including as part of frontline treatment if a CT was available in this setting and considering a CT for all pts. 2) When asked in what scenario would a CT not be offered in an otherwise eligible pt, 4 reported when they perceived poor understanding by pt, 3 reported when pt had high emotional state at time of discussion, and 3 reported a pt history of non-compliance. Three CIs reported all eligible pts would be offered CT participation. Regarding CI exploration of pt barriers, 3) only one of 12 CIs reported proactively discussing prior experiences with racism. 4) However, 8 of 12 CIs proactively discussed logistical/financial barriers. 5) 10 of 12 CIs responded to a question regarding what factor(s) they prioritize when selecting and designing CT. 9 reported prioritizing a CT with inclusion criteria that matched their pt population, 5 reported a CT with novel scientific rationale, and only 3 reported pragmatic CT design/ease of participation. Conclusions: Even among CIs with high rates of CT participation at our institution, interviews revealed that CI perception of poor health care literacy and high emotional state in pt at time of discussion to be potential barriers for CT discussion. While the majority proactively discussed logistical and financial considerations, very few proactively addressed pt experiences with racism. Findings from this sample will be used to guide development for CI communication training pertaining to CT. Citation Format: Shazia Nakhoda, Allison Donehower, Zachary Frosch, Kelsey Lachow, Nicole Harrington, Madeline Albert, Linda Fleisher. Moving the needle: Values and communication strategies of clinical investigators for clinical trial recruitment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B103.