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Economic growth leads to inequalities in global cancer research
New research shows that the number and complexity of cancer clinical trials has varied across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) since 2001, with economic growth contributing to the inequalities, but only to a certain extent. The results are published online by Wiley in CANCER, his peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society. Although …
Economic growth leads to inequalities in global cancer research
New research shows that the number and complexity of cancer clinical trials has varied across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) since 2001, with economic growth contributing to the inequalities, but only to a certain extent. The results are published online by WileyCANCERa peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.
Although LMICs are expected to experience the largest global cancer burden in the coming years, cancer clinical trials are disproportionately focused on high-income countries. Because there is evidence that LMICs have increased the number of cancer clinical trials in recent decades, researchers examined differences in the number and complexity of such trials across LMICs over time and according to economic changes.
Between 2001 and 2020, a total of 16,977 cancer clinical trials were registered in LMICs. The Asian countries of China and South Korea reported strong economic growth and an increase in clinical trials. Similar, although less impressive, trends have been observed in Eastern European countries and the West Asian/South European country of Türkiye.
In contrast, South and Southeast Asian countries such as India, Thailand and Vietnam, which also experienced strong economic growth, experienced mostly uneven growth in clinical trials. The North and South American countries of Argentina, Brazil and Mexico were able to increase their number of clinical trials despite relative economic stagnation. Among African countries, Egypt experienced strong economic growth with a corresponding increase in clinical trials, but no such relationship was observed in South Africa.
In summary, the results suggest that economic growth contributes to, but is not the sole factor in, the growth of cancer clinical trials in low- and middle-income countries.
We believe these data provide valuable insights for LMICs aiming to improve clinical research.”
Max S. Mano, MD, PhD, Latin American Collaborative Oncology Group, Einstein Hospital Israelita
Sources:
Cascelli, F.G.A.,et al.(2025) Disparities in cancer clinical trials among low- and middle-income countries: A 20-year analysis.Cancer. doi.org/10.1002/cncr.70067.