Parents' Insights into Pediatric Oncology Phase I Clinical Trials: Experiences from Their Child's Participation.

The study included only 11 parents of 10 children, so it captures a narrow set of experiences rather than a broad picture of all families. Most participants were white (100%), non-Hispanic (90.9%), female (81.8%), and well educated, with 45.5% holding a graduate or professional degree, so the findings may not reflect families with different backgrounds or health literacy. Response rates at the two medical centers were 35.3% (6 of 17) and 33.3% (3 of 9), and parents of children who died within the previous 60 days were excluded, raising concern that participating parents may differ from those who did not. Interviews were retrospective, so parents' memories and feelings may have changed over time. The study did not test any nursing, educational, or logistical strategy, so it cannot show that these suggested actions would reduce burden.

The authors declare no financial or other conflicts of interest. The declaration also notes that Dr. Croop, Ms. Lee, and Ms. Walski are actively involved in conducting and managing phase I clinical trials through the Children's Oncology Group Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trial Network.

Do not conclude that phase I trial participation was overall harmful or that a specific nurse-led strategy would reduce burden. The study described 11 parents' retrospective experiences and did not test interventions or compare clinical outcomes.