| Title: |
Racial and Gender Disparities in Clinical Trial Representation for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments: A Scoping Review. |
| Authors: |
Shafiee, Amirmohammad; Juran, Taylor; Zabaneh, Iza; Patel, Deepkumar; Allison, Karen |
| Source: |
Journal of Clinical & Translational Ophthalmology; Sep2025, Vol. 3 Issue 3, p16, 17p |
| Subject Terms: |
CLINICAL trials; MACULAR degeneration; SOCIAL marginality; RACIAL inequality; GENDER inequality; VASCULAR endothelial growth factor antagonists; DISCRIMINATION (Sociology) |
| Abstract: |
Background/Objective: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is the primary treatment for neovascular AMD. This study aimed to assess racial, ethnic, and gender representation in U.S.-based randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of anti-VEGF therapies. Methods: A systematic PubMed search identified 19 eligible RCTs. Titles and abstracts were screened, and demographic data were independently extracted and cross-verified. Chi-squared analysis was used to evaluate disparities in participant representation. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBIS checklist. Results: Among 8003 participants across 19 trials, 92.3% were Caucasian. Asian, African American, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian participants collectively comprised just over 5%. This underrepresentation of non-Caucasian groups was statistically significant (p < 0.01, df = 4) and not associated with study sponsorship. Gender analysis showed 59% female and 41% male participation, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.83, df = 1). Conclusions: Non-Caucasian populations remain significantly underrepresented in anti-VEGF RCTs for AMD. This raises concerns about the generalizability of trial findings to diverse populations. Future clinical trials must prioritize inclusive recruitment to ensure equitable, evidence-based care for all patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| : |
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| Database: |
Complementary Index |