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A new study shows that nonmedical out-of-pocket reimbursements for cancer clinical trial patients varied widely by income, race, cancer stage, and trial phase — and the program that provided them has shut down. The Lazarex Cancer Foundation reimbursed nearly 3,000 patients over 18 years before closing in 2024 due to lack of funding. Researchers are now calling on trial sponsors and sites to fill the void.
A new study published in Cancer sheds light on the financial burden cancer patients face when enrolling in clinical trials — and the stark disparities in who gets help covering those costs. Over 18 years, the Lazarex Cancer Foundation reimbursed 2,826 patients for nonmedical out-of-pocket expenses like transportation, lodging, and airfare. Reimbursements were income-based, with lower-income patients eligible for up to $1,500/month in full coverage, while higher-income patients could receive up to $750/month at 50% reimbursement.
The data revealed significant inequities: patients who traveled 500+ miles received over 8x more in monthly reimbursement than those traveling under 50 miles, and non-Hispanic White patients received notably higher monthly amounts than Black, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino patients. Phase 1 trial participants and those with stage IV cancer also faced the highest costs.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: The Lazarex Foundation closed in 2024 due to insufficient funding, eliminating what was the largest national program addressing financial toxicity in cancer trials. With this safety net gone, researchers are urging trial sponsors and cancer centers to build scalable, equitable solutions — or risk further reducing clinical trial access for already underserved populations.
