The Hidden Costs of Missing Diversity from Clinical Trials

Imagine you’re testing a new medicine. To make sure it’s safe and works well, you need people to try it out. These volunteers are part of a clinical trial, a crucial step in developing new treatments. But there’s a problem: most trials don’t include enough people from different backgrounds. This lack of diversity is a big deal, according to public health researcher Marya Shegog in a discussion with Lazarex Cancer Foundation. “Think about it this way,” she says, “money makes the world go round” in clinical trials. Hospitals and research centers that run these trials want to get things done quickly and cheaply. So, they often target people who are easy to find, like patients at private doctors’ offices in wealthier areas. These patients tend to have insurance and flexible schedules, making it easier for them to participate. But what about people who rely on public health clinics or don’t have reliable transportation? For them, clinical trials can be a financial burden. Shegog explains that insurance companies often don’t cover the costs associated with trials, like scans or extra doctor visits. Plus, there might be unexpected expenses like travel or missing work. “If you’re low-income, that can be a big...