Current barriers for developing clinical research in Latin America: A cross-sectional survey of medical oncologists

Background: Latin America is a preferred site for sponsors to set clinical trials; however, perceptions by oncologists regarding existing roadblocks for clinical research have not been described.We surveyed Latin American medical oncologists in order to identify the most common barriers to conducting clinical research in their countries.Methods: We developed a web-based questionnaire-survey with Yes/No, 6-point scale rating, and open-ended questions.Four domains were covered: education, regulatory, financial management and study management.Respondents (identified from the ASCO's membership directory) were requested to list strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats in conducting clinical research.Results: Ninety three medical oncologists completed the survey, of which 82 were either Principal or co-investigators.The levels of education of researchers and ethical committees were perceived as good.In general, regulatory conditions were considered complex, and Brazilian oncologists considered their regulatory context to be the more complex; despite this, however, they had better financial management of their research groups.Argentinean, Mexican and Peruvian oncologists had a higher proportion of respondents with plans for ensuring development and succession for their research groups.Cost for proposed study approval and procedures were considered high.Although a low density of clinical trials (#trials/#sites) is perceived, medical oncologists reported significant interest by local patients and researchers in participating in clinical research.Other barriers were listed in the SWOT.Conclusions: Barriers identified include regulatory, low budgets, high costs, and poor financial management.Perceived strengths were the prevailing education levels in personnel, the interest of patients and researchers in participating in trials and the willingness of researchers to get involved in large academic trials.