By
Trial Library
October 15, 2024
As the world turns its attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are reminded of the pressing need for inclusivity in clinical trial research, particularly in the realm of breast cancer. In the spotlight is Mary Stutts, trusted Trial Library advisor and the CEO of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA). With a career spanning multiple facets of healthcare—from providers to payers and life sciences—Stutts has been a pioneering force advocating for diversity in clinical trials.
In a recent discussion, Stutts shared her journey in healthcare, starting with her foundational years at Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Healthcare, and later with industry giants like Bayer and Genentech. It was at Genentech where she spearheaded the first diversity in clinical trials initiative, a groundbreaking effort that shed light on the long-standing challenges of inclusion in research. “It was eye-opening to see the challenges related to clinical trial diversity,” she recalls, noting the disheartening statistics that still resonate today. Women and people of color remain underrepresented, often denied access to the latest innovative therapies even after trials conclude.
This issue is particularly critical in the context of breast cancer. Stutts emphasizes the plight of women of color who are diagnosed at later stages, resulting in worse outcomes. She highlights that in a study by STAT, only 40% of Black women with triple-negative breast cancer were offered the chance to participate in clinical trials, despite 80% expressing interest in enrollment if given the opportunity. “These disparities are serious and longstanding,” she asserts, calling for urgent action.
In light of these challenges, solutions are emerging. Trial Library’s trial decision support platform and pre-screening services are designed to alleviate the burdens placed on healthcare providers. The trial search platform allows providers to quickly find the right trial, ensuring patients have timely access to potentially life-saving treatments. Trial Library’s Clinical Data Coordinators conduct chart reviews for practices, further streamlining the process of identifying eligible patients for clinical trials and enabling oncologists to focus on providing quality care.
“Time is of the essence when helping patients with serious diseases like cancer,” Stutts emphasizes. The ability to quickly match patients with trials tailored to their specific needs can be lifesaving, transforming the landscape of cancer treatment and ensuring that no patient is left behind.
As we commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Stutts’ commitment to diversity in clinical trials serves as a powerful reminder of the work still to be done. The intersection of technology and healthcare is key to propelling us toward a future where clinical research reflects the diverse populations it aims to serve. At Trial Library, we work tirelessly at this intersection, developing services and technology to ensure that every patient has access to the precision cancer care they deserve.
In closing, Stutts inspires us to envision a world where diversity in clinical trials is not just an aspiration but a reality. “We can’t place the entire burden on the patients,” she asserts. It is the responsibility of the entire healthcare ecosystem to create a welcoming environment for all individuals, ensuring that their voices are heard and their health outcomes improved. Together, through collaboration and innovation, we can pave the way for a more equitable future in clinical trial research.
