Abstract A014: Understanding patient perceptions of clinical trials in ovarian cancer: Patient reported outcomes

Abstract Background: Understanding patient perceptions of clinical trials is essential for increasing enrollment and improving access to experimental therapies, particularly among individuals with ovarian cancer. This analysis explores patient attitudes, knowledge, and experiences regarding clinical trials in a racially diverse cohort of women in underserved communities nationwide. Methods: A total of 220 participants were interviewed over the course of 1.5 years and asked three core questions: what clinical trials mean to them, whether they had considered enrolling in a clinical trial, and whether they will participate in a clinical trial. Responses were qualitatively coded and quantitatively categorized to assess willingness to participate (1 = yes, 2 = no), prior enrollment or serious consideration (1 = yes, 2 = no), and understanding of what a clinical trial means (1 = clear understanding, 2 = unclear or limited understanding). Results: Understanding of Clinical Trials: Only 10% (22 participants) demonstrated a clear understanding of clinical trials, while 90% showed limited or unclear understanding. Consideration and Evaluation: Only 10% (22 participants) reported actively considering and evaluating their eligibility for trials, while 90% did not do so. Willingness to Participate: 39% (∼86 participants) expressed willingness to participate in clinical trials, while 61% (134 participants) were either unwilling or had not considered it. Conclusion: Despite broad interest in the concept of clinical research, actual understanding, acceptance, and engagement remain low among this population that are primarily being cared for at community hospitals nationwide vs large established academic institutions. Misconceptions, disparities in information, lack of communication from providers, fear factors, financial and logistical barriers contribute to under-enrollment. Women surveyed for this study seemed to rely heavily on their providers for accuracy and timeliness of information on clinical trials vs self-acquired knowledge and self-advocacy. Thus, interventions targeting education, physician-initiated discussions and guidance, and provision of resources for practical support for participation by the care teams could enhance trial accessibility and equity in oncology care and survivorship. Citation Format: Runsi Sen, Dr. Priya Bhosale. Understanding patient perceptions of clinical trials in ovarian cancer: Patient reported outcomes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2025 Sep 19-21; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(18_Suppl):Abstract nr A014.