Accrual of patients to randomized clinical trials. Factors affecting cancer prevention and control research.

Clinical judgment is increasingly being challenged by the need for randomized clinical trials. The 1987 National Cancer Institute mandate--that the Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) accrue patients to cancer control protocols--provided an opportunity to examine the factors that affect accrual performance. An analysis of 52 CCOPs and their research bases participating in the program found that the availability of protocols, involvement with research base activities, a demonstrated link to community physicians (particularly those physicians, such as surgeons, who had access to patients), and the use of personal contacts to inform non-CCOP physicians about CCOP activities were important facilitating factors for accruing patients to cancer prevention and control trials.