Albania has the lowest number of clinical trials in Europe with just 0.14 per 100,000 inhabitants conducted in the country. This is a stark contrast to Belgium where 10.7 trials were conducted per 100,000 inhabitants.
The difference in these figures shows a disparity and disadvantage to those in Albania for accessing novel treatments for cancer.
Thomas Cerny, Professor of medical oncology at the University of Berne, Switzerland and member of the ESMO Principles of Clinical Trials and Systemic Therapy Faculty, said:
“The difference in the number of clinical trials per head of population, with more trials in wealthier countries, means access to clinical trials and innovative drugs is just not possible for cancer patients living in many less wealthy countries.”
The study found that the difference in the number of clinical trials across countries in Europe could be directly correlated with the GDP.
Overall, there was a 33% increase in the number of trials conducted in Europe between 2010 and 2018 and a 61% increase in early-phase trials. But countries located in the East of the continent noted a decrease in both kinds of trials.
