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Breaking Down Barriers: New FCS Study Examines Clinical Trial Access for Rural Floridians in Rural Florida

A newly published study led by Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) sheds light on the challenges rural Floridians face when considering participation in cancer clinical trials and identifies opportunities to improve access to research.

The study is part of FCS’ “Bringing Cancer Research to Rural Floridians” initiative, funded through the Florida Department of Health, Public Health Research, Biomedical Research Program. The effort focuses on increasing clinical trial awareness and participation in the state’s rural communities through research patient navigators, patient education and expanded access to research opportunities at FCS locations.

The gap in clinical trial participation remains significant. Nationally, only 4.1% of patients receiving care in community oncology settings enroll in clinical trials, compared with 21.6% at larger academic centers. Rural patients, who often have fewer resources, are the least likely to enroll. Kimberly Vigal, FCS vice president of clinical research, oversees the Innovation Fund initiatives. She said, “Expanding access and participation within these communities means that more patients can benefit from innovative treatments and achieve better outcomes.”

What Rural Floridians Told Researchers About Clinical Trials

Through a series of focus groups involving cancer survivors, caregivers, advocates and patients undergoing treatment, researchers explored perceptions of clinical trials, barriers to participation and potential solutions. While most participants were aware of clinical trials, discussions revealed common misconceptions about how trials work, who is eligible and how patients can access them.

Participants identified several factors that may discourage enrollment: transportation difficulties, financial concerns and mistrust of healthcare systems, including access to clear, reliable information that can play a significant role in trial participation decisions.

From Misconceptions to Meaningful Solutions

“Our research reinforces that increasing trial participation in rural communities requires more than expanding availability; access begins with trust,” noted Gustavo Fonseca, MD, FACP, FCS director of research & clinical trials. “These findings provide a roadmap for what’s next: expanding research navigator outreach, strengthening physician-patient conversations, leveraging trusted community channels and exploring innovative solutions such as telehealth, mobile research capabilities and patient-centered technologies that bring clinical trial opportunities closer to where patients live.”

FCS provides ongoing access to more than 180 early and late-phase clinical trials through its robust clinical research program with Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) and advanced clinical trial matching technology. As part of this network, FCS reaches more clinical trials patients than any single cancer center in Florida—offering patients new hope and improved outcomes and helping shape the future standard of care for many types of cancer. Many of the cancer drugs approved by the FDA in the U.S over the past decade were accessible to patients at FCS through clinical trial participation before receiving approval.

“As we continue this work, our focus remains on reducing barriers, improving understanding and ensuring more patients can benefit from the latest advances in cancer treatment and research,” said FCS Assistant Managing Physician David Wenk, MD. “By expanding access to clinical trials in underserved communities, FCS is advancing cancer research while reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care close to home.”

FCS would like to thank the following research patient navigators, clinical research coordinators and team members who made this project possible:

• Yetunde Tagurum, patient navigator
• Jennifer Wells, patient navigator
• Sandra Baer, medical assistant
• Lynn Bentz, associate director, research operations late phase
• Vickie Cater, patient navigator
• Crystal Clark, clinical research coordinator
• Christina White, clinical research coordinator
• Kelli Mills, clinical research coordinator
• Gigi Gonzales, patient navigator
• Stanley Jean-Charles, clinical research coordinator
• Kimberly Kiplagat, patient navigator
• Lindsey Murkerson, clinical research coordinator
• Chandni Patel, associate director, clinical research
• Heidy Pickles, patient navigator