Benchmarks and tools

Patient participation in clinical trials: key statistics

By TrialNotice · Updated
Older couple reading a brochure together in a bright family practice waiting room
Short answer58% of people say they would begin a clinical trial search by asking their doctor, and 95% say it is important for their doctor to be aware of studies, yet only 10% of people who never participated were ever asked, according to CISCRP. When asked, many agree: 55% of cancer patients offered a trial said yes.
Bar chart showing 95% want their doctor aware of studies, 58% would start a trial search with their doctor, and 10% of people who never participated were ever asked
StatisticFigureSource
Would begin a trial search by asking their doctor58%CISCRP 2017
Say it is important for their doctor to be aware of studies95%CISCRP
Never participated and were ever asked to join a study10%CISCRP 2017
Participants who learned about their trial online22%CISCRP 2025 via Citeline
Participants who learned from their own doctor16%CISCRP 2025 via Citeline
Somewhat or very willing to participate87%CISCRP 2025 via Citeline
Adult cancer patients enrolled in treatment trials7.1%Unger et al., JCO
Enrollment at NCI designated comprehensive centers vs community programs21.6% vs 4.1%Healio
Cancer patients who agreed when offered a trial55%Healio
People with Parkinson's at least somewhat likely to join research80%PMC, citing the Michael J. Fox Foundation
People with Parkinson's who have enrolled in a studyUnder 10%PMC, citing the Michael J. Fox Foundation

What is the pattern?

Willingness is high and asking is rare. Patients want to hear about trials from their doctor, but few doctors bring them up. That gap is where most of the untapped enrollment sits. See where patients learn about trials.

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Sources

  1. CISCRP, 2017 Perceptions and Insights Study: Decision Making Process
  2. CISCRP, Highlights from the 2017 Perceptions and Insights Study
  3. Citeline, Patient Recruitment Pulse (Jan 2026) on the CISCRP 2025 Perceptions and Insights Study
  4. Unger J.M. et al., "National Estimates of the Participation of Patients With Cancer in Clinical Research Studies," Journal of Clinical Oncology, PubMed
  5. Healio, "More than 20% of patients participate in cancer research" (summary of Unger et al.)
  6. "Optimizing participant recruitment and retention in clinical studies by hearing the voice of persons with Parkinson's," PMC (citing the Michael J. Fox Foundation)

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