Clinical trials are essential for advancing pancreatic cancer treatment and improving survival rates. However, for many Canadians, access to these life-saving opportunities depends on where they live. Patients in smaller provinces and rural areas often face significant barriers to participation, from geographic isolation to financial constraints.
At The Heather Cutler Foundation, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to clinical trials for all Canadians, regardless of location or income. Expanding trial access is a critical step toward improving outcomes for those living with pancreatic cancer.
The Current Reality
• Geographic Inequities: Clinical trial opportunities are overwhelmingly concentrated in urban centers like Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta. Patients in smaller provinces or rural areas have little to no access to these trials.
• Financial Barriers: Travel costs, accommodations, and time away from work prevent many from participating in trials, especially those already burdened by the costs of cancer care.
• Limited Awareness: Many healthcare providers and patients are unaware of available trials or lack guidance on navigating the system to enroll.
What We’re Fighting For
1. Decentralized Clinical Trials
• Hybrid Models: Trials that combine virtual and in-person participation must be expanded to eliminate geographic barriers for rural and underserved communities.
• Localized Support: Collaborate with regional healthcare centers to provide on-site monitoring and support for trial participants.
2. Financial Support for Participants
• Travel Subsidies: Patients should not have to choose between accessing a clinical trial and financial hardship. Travel subsidies and accommodations must be provided for participants living far from trial sites.
• Caregiver Support: Financial aid should also extend to caregivers who assist patients during trial participation.
3. Increased Provider Awareness and Education
• Training for Healthcare Teams: Oncologists and care teams must be equipped with tools to identify eligible patients and proactively connect them to clinical trials.
• Centralized Resources: Develop accessible, user-friendly platforms for healthcare providers and patients to explore available trials.
Accountability Measures
To ensure progress, accountability is critical. We propose:
• Trial Participation Data: Track participation rates by geography, demographics, and socioeconomic status to identify gaps in access.
• Retention Metrics: Monitor participant retention rates to assess whether financial and logistical support systems are effective.
• Expansion Benchmarks: Set measurable goals for increasing trial sites in underserved regions over the next five years.
Why This Matters
Clinical trials often represent the best—and sometimes only—hope for patients with pancreatic cancer. They provide access to innovative treatments, including precision medicine and immunotherapy, that are not yet available as standard care. Studies show that patients treated in clinical trials often experience better outcomes than those who are not.
Yet, for many Canadians, clinical trial participation remains an unattainable option due to systemic barriers. Expanding access is not just about offering new treatment opportunities—it’s about providing every patient with a fair chance at survival.
Heather’s Story: A Call to Action
Heather Cutler’s experience with pancreatic cancer underscored the importance of clinical trial access. Despite her advocacy as a nurse and mother, she encountered countless obstacles when exploring treatment options. Her story reflects the challenges that too many Canadians face when navigating the fragmented clinical trial system.
At The Heather Cutler Foundation, we believe no one should have to fight for the chance to participate in life-saving research. By expanding clinical trial access nationwide, we can ensure that every Canadian living with pancreatic cancer has the opportunity to benefit from the latest advancements in care.
The time for action is now. Join us in advocating for equitable clinical trial access and help us bring hope to every Canadian living with pancreatic cancer.