Trending News Today: Study Finds Age Disparity Between Clinical Trials, General Population for Cancer Drugs

New findings suggest that patients selected to participate in clinical trials of cancer drugs tend to be younger than most individuals with the disease in the general population, according to a study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. To determine the size of the age disparity, the researchers analyzed information on clinical trials and the median age for various cancers. Overall, the study found that the difference in median age of trial participants and that of the general population was 6.49 years, with wider differences in industry-funded trials.

A new study indicates a DNA mutation that protects against HIV infection may increase the risk of death, The Associated Press reported. According to the article, researchers studied data on approximately 400,000 individuals and compared those who carried the mutation in both copies of their CCR5 gene to those who carry it in just 1 copy or neither. The study found that participants with the mutation in both copies had a death rate approximately 20% higher than that of other patients, the article reported.

A recent survey from Monmouth University found that more than 1 in 4 Americans say they or a family member went without needed health care over the past 2 years due to cost, The Hill reported. According to the article, the poll showed that 27% of adults avoided necessary medical care for this reason, which is slightly down from 31% in 2017. Additionally, 45% of respondents said it is difficult to pay for their deductibles and other out-of-pocket health care expenses, the article reported.