Oral Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Unlocking Diversity: A Prospective Study of Ancestry, English Proficiency, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Participation in NSW Phase 1 Cancer Trials (#23)

Chien Ng 1 , Udit Nindra 1 , Christina Teng 2 , Joe Wei 2 3 , Adam Cooper 1 , Kate Wilkinson 1 , Aflah Roohullah 1 , Charlotte Lemech 2 3 , Wei Chua 1 , Abhijit PAL 1
  1. Medical Oncology , Liverpool Hospital , Liverpool, New South Wales , Australia
  2. Scientia Clinical Research, Randwick, New South Wales , Australia
  3. Prince Of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales , Australia

Aims

Australia is culturally diverse with 49% of the population born overseas or having at least one parent born abroad. Cancer patients from culturally and linguistically diverse groups (CALD), are underrepresented in early phase clinical trials (EPCTs). EPCTs are vital to improving cancer therapies; however, inadequate CALD participation limits generalisability of results, potentially increasing health disparities. We aim to characterise patients enrolled in EPCTs across two catchment centres with unique populations.

 

Methods

All participants enrolled in EPCTs across two major NSW clinical trial units were recruited. Upon commencing their EPCT, participants completed a baseline demographic survey. Details regarding: EPCT; participant background (including cultural and linguistic status); parents’ country of birth and English proficiency were recorded. As of July 2024, 84 patients were recruited.

 

Results

Across two EPCT centres, 84 patients were included with 56% (n=44) being female. Median age was 64 years (55-71yrs). Considering ancestry/heritage: 21% (n=18) of patients were born outside of Australia; 38% (n=32) had at least one parent born overseas and 68% (n=57) had both parents born in Australia. English was the preferred language for 89% (n=75) of patients with 76% (n=64) reporting ‘A’ Level proficiency; this was followed by Mandarin/Cantonese 5% (n=4). An interpreter was required for 8% of patients (n=7). Despite a contributing Southwest Sydney centre with high Arabic and Vietnamese populations, only 11% (n=3/28) of patients were from these backgrounds. Overall, 21% of patients (n=18) identified as culturally diverse; 20% (n=17) were linguistically diverse.

 

Conclusion

This study reveals underrepresentation of patients without English as a preferred language in EPCTs. There is a notable lack of recent migrants, with most participants’ having both parents born in Australia. The trial population does not reflect the diverse Australian community in the trial centres’ catchment areas. Future efforts optimising EPCT enrolment in multicultural societies can ameliorate underrepresentation.