Eureka moment: 2019. The FDA backs the modernization of clinical trials, including reducing barriers to patient participation through DCT.
Why it matters: The established trial model is slow, expensive, inefficient – and site-focused trial designs often discourage patient participation, magnifying the recruitment challenge.
How it’s being used now: Decentralized and virtual trials are still in the minority in clinical research; though 2020 data suggests up to a quarter of all trials feature some DCT components.
What’s next: The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed DCT adoption among sponsors and may prove to be the long-term inflection point.
To dig deeper: https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/oncology-center-excellence/advancing-oncology-decentralized-trials