Navigating Challenges in Dermatology Clinical Trials: Recruitment, Retention, and Results

The Scope of Dermatology

Dermatology focuses on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails - organs vital for protecting the body and maintaining overall health.

Conditions in this field are diverse, ranging from common issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis to rare and complex diseases such as pemphigus vulgaris and cutaneous lymphoma. These conditions often impact not just physical health but also psychological well-being, underscoring the importance of effective treatments.

The Growing Importance of Dermatology Clinical Trials

Given the significant burden of dermatological conditions, clinical trials play a pivotal role in advancing treatments and improving patient outcomes. However, conducting dermatology trials is uniquely challenging.

Patient recruitment, maintaining engagement, conducting specialist assessments, and adhering to tight study timelines are persistent hurdles. Overcoming these obstacles is essential for ensuring new therapies reach those who need them most.

Market Trends in Dermatology

The urgency to address these challenges is heightened by the rapidly growing dermatology market, projected to reach USD 2.04 billion by 2030. This growth is fuelled by an aging population, a rising prevalence of conditions like acne and psoriasis, and technological advancements. At VCTC, we align with these trends through innovative approaches, such as:

• Utilising advanced clinical trial processes for participant screening and engagement.
• Decentralising trials via community clinics, home, and telemedicine visits.
• Partnering with advocacy groups and healthcare providers to build trust and prioritise patient-centric care.

Unique Challenges in Dermatology Research

While market growth underscores the demand for innovation, dermatology research presents inherent complexities. The multifactorial nature of conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis - driven by genetic, environmental, and immunological factors - makes identifying universal therapeutic targets particularly challenging.

Furthermore, rigorous testing is required to ensure treatments are effective and safe, given the skin’s sensitivity and visibility. These factors place high demands on trial design and execution.

The Growing Demand for Innovation

Despite these challenges, the need for innovative therapies continues to grow. However, recruitment for dermatology clinical trials remains a significant barrier, slowing progress. Low awareness, concerns about trial participation, and a lack of diverse representation limit both participation rates and the generalisability of findings. Overcoming these barriers is key to delivering inclusive and effective dermatological treatments.

How VCTC is Navigating These Challenges

This article explores these obstacles and showcases how VCTC leverages its expertise, resources, and patient-centric strategies to overcome them. By addressing recruitment challenges, building engagement, and ensuring high-quality trial execution, VCTC plays a critical role in advancing dermatology clinical trials and bringing innovative treatments to patients worldwide.

Our approach to Patient-Centric Dermatology Research

1. Patient Recruitment and Retention

Recruiting suitable participants remains one of the biggest hurdles in dermatology trials due to limited awareness, concerns about time commitments, and hesitation over potential side effects or the complexity of consent processes.

How VCTC Mitigates Risks:

• Ready-to-Recruit Database: VCTC maintains an engaged pool of trial-ready participants actively seeking dermatology research opportunities.
• Patient-Centred Consent Process: Participants consult with our specialist medics to discuss trial details, ensuring clarity and confidence in their commitments.
• Convenient Access: We deliver care in the community or through flexible clinic spaces, making participation as easy and accessible as possible.
• Decentralised elements: Features like e-consent and virtual visits reduce participant burden while maintaining data quality.

2. Understanding Patient Needs and Preferences

Barriers such as time constraints and inconvenience deter patient participation. Tackling these issues is essential for ensuring consistent engagement throughout trials.

How VCTC Mitigates Risks:

• At-Home Support: We provide home-based support at times convenient for participants.
• Flexible Scheduling: Evening, weekend, and community-based clinic options accommodate participants’ daily lives.
• Logistical Support: Transportation assistance and other arrangements help eliminate participation barriers.
• Leveraging technologies: virtual consenting visits reduce participant burden while maintaining data quality.

3. Diversity and Representation

Diversity is vital for generating results that are representative of wider populations, yet it remains a challenge in dermatology clinical trials.

How VCTC Mitigates Risks:

• Representative Participant Database: Our UK-wide database and multiple clinic locations reflect the general demographic, ensuring diverse participation. We are constantly developing new site locations to alleviates saturation in traditional locations.
• Flexible Trial Approaches: Tailored participation options enable broader engagement and appropriate representation.

4. Complexity of Skin Conditions

Dermatological conditions are often multifactorial, complicating inclusion criteria and endpoint definitions.

How VCTC Mitigates Risks:

• Expertise in Dermatology: Our trials are led by Principal Investigator Dr. Kashini Andrew, whose extensive dermatology expertise ensures effective trial design and implementation.
• Tailored Trial Designs: Patient-centric approaches increase engagement and retention.

5. Regulatory and Ethical Considerations

Complex international regulations and ethical requirements can delay trial initiation.

How VCTC Mitigates Risks:

• Compliance and Expertise: Strict adherence to regulatory standards and ethical guidelines minimizes potential delays.

Meet Our Expert: Dr. Kashini Andrew

Dr. Kashini Andrew, MBBS, MSc, MRCP(UK), brings extensive training and experience to VCTC’s dermatology trials. With expertise spanning skin cancer, paediatric dermatology, and dermatologic surgery, Dr. Andrew ensures trials are conducted with scientific rigor and a patient-focused approach.

Why Choose VCTC?

VCTC combines unmatched expertise, innovative approaches, and a patient-first philosophy to navigate the complexities of dermatology clinical trials. From leveraging a ready-to-recruit participant database to delivering flexible trial structures, our focus on excellence helps sponsors achieve robust, reliable results.

Partner with VCTC and experience the difference in dermatology clinical research. Together, we can advance treatments and improve patient lives. Contact us today for more information.