Bridging gaps in KRAS‑mutant lung cancer care: A patient perspective on clinical trial access and community support

Despite significant advances in precision oncology, access to clinical trials remains a significant challenge for patients with KRAS-mutant lung cancer. Once considered “undruggable,” KRAS mutations now have emerging targeted therapies, making clinical trial participation increasingly important. This poster presents a patient-informed perspective from an 11-year stage IV lung cancer survivor, highlighting real-world barriers to clinical trial access and enrollment. Patients frequently encounter substantial obstacles when searching for appropriate clinical trials, including fragmented and difficult-to-interpret information, complex eligibility criteria, and limited guidance through the enrollment process. Additional barriers such as geographic distance to academic cancer centers, financial toxicity related to travel, lodging, childcare, and lost wages, as well as rigid trial schedules, further restrict participation. These challenges disproportionately limit access for many patients and contribute to reduced diversity and representativeness in clinical research. Cancer-focused support communities play a critical role in addressing these gaps by providing education, peer support, shared knowledge, compassion and patient empowerment. Such communities help patients better understand treatment options, navigate clinical trial opportunities, and advocate for themselves within complex healthcare systems. Improving patient-inclusive trial navigation, supportive services, and community engagement is essential to ensuring equitable access to clinical trials. Addressing these barriers can enhance inclusivity, strengthen the generalizability of trial findings, and support the continued advancement of precision cancer care for all patients.