A comprehensive analysis of breast cancer clinical trials: trends and patterns

Abstract

Breast cancer remains a global health challenge, accounting for 30% of all new female cancer cases in 2023 (1). Beyond the plain statistics, it profoundly affects patients and their families, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research for prevention, early detection, and improved treatment methods. Clinical trials are crucial in cancer care, setting the standards for cancer treatment. Clinicaltrials.gov, an online database, provides access to more than 460.000 clinical trials from more than 220 countries. This project aimed to explore the breast cancer clinical trials included in the ClinicalTrials.gov database and perform a comprehensive analysis of the data to understand their evolution and current state. The study included 13,524 breast cancer clinical trials, performing an Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA), followed by the application of clustering and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The results highlighted a shift in the focus of breast research cancer with the introduction of behavioral interventions and advanced screening techniques in addition to testing of drugs. The study revealed a gender imbalance in breast cancer research with only 0.3% of studies focusing on male patients, while 1% of the total cases are diagnosed in men. The geographical distribution of the studies showed that almost 50% are conducted from the United States, while Africa or Latin America have little presence in breast cancer research. In conclusion, the results of the study emphasize the need of a more inclusive approach in breast cancer clinical trials that is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals in terms of gender equality and race/ethnicity representation.