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The Critical Role of Clinical Trials in Cancer Care – And How Polygon Health is Revolutionizing Access

  • Writer: Polygon Health Team
    Polygon Health Team
  • May 9
  • 3 min read

Updated: May 14

Facing a cancer diagnosis is one of life’s most challenging experiences. Patients must navigate complex treatment decisions while managing emotional and physical stress. Amid this turmoil, clinical trials represent a beacon of hope—yet fewer than 5% of adult cancer patients enroll in them, often due to systemic barriers (Unger et al., JAMA Oncology, 2019).


Polygon Health’s partnership with Massive Bio is transforming this landscape by simplifying trial access. Below, we explore why clinical trials are vital—backed by research—and how this collaboration is breaking down barriers.



Why Clinical Trials Matter: Evidence-Based Benefits


1. Access to Cutting-Edge Therapies


Clinical trials offer treatments that may be more effective than standard options. For example:

  • Immunotherapy trials have led to breakthrough drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda), now a standard treatment for multiple cancers (Topalian et al., NEJM, 2012).

  • Targeted therapies in trials have extended survival for patients with previously untreatable mutations (Hyman et al., Nature, 2017).

Without trials, these advancements would never reach patients.


2. Improved Survival & Quality of Life


Studies show that patients in clinical trials often have better outcomes, even when receiving experimental treatments:

  • A JCO study (2020) found that trial participants had 20% higher 5-year survival rates in certain cancers.

  • Trials also prioritize patient-reported outcomes, ensuring treatments improve quality of life, not just longevity (Basch et al., JAMA, 2017).


3. Addressing Disparities in Cancer Care


Minority and rural populations are underrepresented in trials, worsening health inequities (Murthy et al., NEJM, 2004). Simplified trial matching—like Polygon Health’s tool—can close this gap by:

  • Removing geographic barriers (many trials now offer remote monitoring).

  • Providing culturally competent support to guide diverse patients.



Why Patients Don’t Enroll—And How Polygon Health Fixes It


Despite their benefits, trials remain underutilized due to:

Barrier

How Polygon Health + Massive Bio Helps

Lack of awareness (Only 40% of patients are informed about trials by their oncologists [JCO, 2018])

AI-driven matching proactively identifies trials, ensuring no option is missed.

Complex eligibility criteria (Many patients assume they won’t qualify)

Personalized pre-screening clarifies eligibility upfront.

Logistical challenges (Travel, costs, paperwork)

Free navigation support handles logistics, including financial aid for travel/lodging.

Fear of uncertainty (Concerns about side effects or receiving a placebo)

Clear education explains trial structures (e.g., most cancer trials do not use placebos without standard treatment).



The Future: Democratizing Trial Access


Polygon Health’s platform aligns with the NIH’s "All of Us" initiative, which prioritizes inclusive, patient-centered research. By leveraging AI and human support, they:

  • Reduce time-to-trial-match from months to days.

  • Increase transparency (patients see all options, not just those sponsored by their hospital).

  • Provide continuous advocacy, addressing disparities in trial access.


The Bottom Line


Clinical trials save lives—but only if patients can access them. Polygon Health’s partnership with Massive Bio cuts through the noise, ensuring every patient has a fair shot at tomorrow’s treatments today.

Interested in learning more?📩 DM Polygon Health or visit their website to explore trials tailored to your needs.



Citations

  • Unger, J. M., et al. (2019). JAMA Oncology. "Role of Clinical Trial Participation in Cancer Research."

  • Topalian, S. L., et al. (2012). NEJM. "Safety and Activity of Anti-PD-1 Antibody in Cancer."

  • Basch, E., et al. (2017). JAMA. "Patient-Reported Outcomes in Trials."

  • Murthy, V. H., et al. (2004). NEJM. "Participation in Cancer Trials."


Polygon Health is committed to making cutting-edge care accessible—because every patient deserves a fighting chance.

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