Insurance Status as a Surrogate for Social Determinants of Health in Cancer Clinical Trials
Despite advances in cancer screening, detection, and treatment, disparities in cancer care and longterm cancer-specific outcomes persist among vulnerable populations. Racial/ethnic minorities and underinsured patients remain underrepresented in cancer clinical trials, and to date, randomized trials have been underpowered to evaluate the benefits of experimental treatment within these demographic cohorts. The study compiled data from 19 trials demonstrating a positive effect of treatment, including a diverse group of cancers, and spanning a prolonged period (1984-2012). The analysis included 10 804 patients, for whom 2695 (24.9%) had data on insurance status.