Decentralized clinical trials in hematology: the promise and the peril.

Decentralized clinical trials can improve patient access and reduce costs but face significant logistical and regulatory challenges, as demonstrated in hematology research.

• Why it matters: Enhancing patient participation, especially for rare diseases, is crucial for advancing personalized medicine and equitable healthcare, yet current trial models often limit access.
• What they did: A team designed and executed a decentralized trial for clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance, analyzing technology, site coordination, and patient engagement over multiple trial components.
• The result: Lessons learned highlight strategies to optimize DCTs, address logistical hurdles, and promote more inclusive, patient-centered research, paving the way for broader adoption.