- Fox Chase researchers created a program to help kidney cancer patients better understand and feel more comfortable with clinical trials.
- The multilingual education tool is applicable across cancer types. The goal of its developers is to increase diversity in clinical trial enrollment.
- Presented at ASCO GU 2026, the study showed the program significantly improved patient knowledge and reduced common concerns about participation.
PHILADELPHIA (February 26, 2026) — A multidisciplinary team at Fox Chase Cancer Center has developed and tested a patient-centered education program designed to reduce barriers to clinical trial participation among kidney cancer patients.
Clinical trials play a critical role in advancing cancer care, yet many patients never enroll. There are a variety of reasons, including limited knowledge, misconceptions, and concerns about financial burden and time commitment. To address these challenges, the Fox Chase team created a targeted education program aimed at improving understanding of clinical trials and empowering patients to make informed decisions.
Meeting Patients Where They Are
“Our goal was to improve access by meeting patients where they are and addressing common concerns head-on,” said Kimberly Costello, BSN, RN, OCN, CCRC, senior clinical research nurse and co-author. “By providing clear, concise, and culturally inclusive education, we hope to reduce fear and uncertainty and help more patients feel comfortable considering clinical trial options.”
The research team also included Courtney Lambert, BSN, RN, OCN, CCRC; Kristin Virag, MSN, RN, OCN, CCRC; Rutika Kokate, MS, PhD; Brian Egleston, PhD; and Susan Rux, PhD, DNP, RN, OCN.
Building a Patient-Centered Education Program
The team partnered directly with kidney cancer patients to design the program, conducting interviews to understand baseline knowledge and concerns. This input guided the development of a four-and-a-half-minute animated video explaining how clinical trials work, what participation involves, and how patients can find trials.
“We worked closely with patients to ensure the content was relevant and easy to understand and the video format allowed us to reach patients conveniently during clinic visits,” said Lambert.
Measuring Impact and Increased Knowledge
Nearly 100 kidney cancer patients have participated to date, completing surveys before and after viewing the video. Results demonstrated statistically significant improvements in multiple areas of clinical trial knowledge, including understanding of placebo use, randomization, general trial concepts, and where to find cancer research studies. Patients also reported improved perceptions related to the cost and time associated with participation.
“Education corrected common misconceptions, especially around placebo use,” said Virag. “Clarifying these points can make a meaningful difference in whether patients consider enrolling.”
Expanding Access for Diverse Populations
To better serve diverse communities, the educational video was offered in English, Spanish, and Russian. This approach supports efforts to improve access for populations historically underrepresented in clinical research, including older adults, women, patients with lower incomes, and racial and ethnic minorities.
“Improving diversity in clinical trial participation is essential so new therapies are tested in populations that reflect real-world patients,” said Rux.
Looking Ahead
Future phases of the project will evaluate whether improved knowledge leads to higher enrollment in therapeutic clinical trials and will explore strategies to reduce financial and logistical barriers. The education model is also adaptable across cancer types, offering potential to expand its impact beyond kidney cancer.
Findings from the study, “Increase Clinical Trial Enrollment of Underrepresented Kidney Cancer Patients by Improving Access to Participation,” were presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, which is being held February 26-28 in San Francisco.