Dr. Mesa on Accrual Considerations in MPN Clinical Trials

Ruben A. Mesa, MD, director of the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses accrual considerations in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) clinical trials. 

The Mays Cancer Center is based in San Antonio, ​Texas, where about 69% of the population is Hispanic or Latino, says Mesa​. The patient populations that are included in clinical trials should be representative of the surrounding community.

To date, clinical trials at UT San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center include a high percentage of Hispanic patients, ​Mesa explains. Additionally, other minority groups, such as African Americans represent a high percentage of the overall population in these studies. 

Notably, ​considerations are taken to ​develop a racially​-inclusive ​patient population, starting with accrual. Barriers are continually being overcome with time and teamwork, Mesa concludes.