Barriers to clinical trials: Part II: Knowledge and attitudes of potential participants

The reasons why less than 3% of cancer patients receive treatment in a clinical trial are complex and multiply determined. Because an individual cannot sign herself into a research study, an understanding of the doctor‐patient interaction must be considered in addition to individual patient dynamics. Patients may be concerned that a physician's primary allegiance is to the requirements of the trial, not the specific health needs of the individual. Physicians may worry about the effects that placing an individual in a trial will have on the special doctor‐patient relationship.