29 Jul Decentralized and Virtual Clinical Trials: Expanding Access for People Diagnosed with Cancer
July 29, 2025 ~ Clinical trials help researchers find better ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer. But many people can’t take part in trials because of long travel times, time off work, or other challenges.
That’s starting to change. New types of clinical trials—called decentralized or virtual trials—use digital tools and local care providers to make it easier for people to participate from home or nearby clinics.
What Are Decentralized and Virtual Trials?
Decentralized trials let some or all trial visits happen outside of a large hospital or research center. These visits might include:
- Telehealth appointments with trial staff
- At-home nursing visits
- Lab work or check-ins with your regular local doctor
In short, these trials bring the research to you.
Why This Matters for People Living With Cancer
Decentralized clinical trials offer real benefits for people living with cancer and their caregivers.
Less travel and time off
Many participants save hours of travel and clinic time by doing some visits remotely. That means less time away from home, work, or caregiving responsibilities—and lower costs for gas, parking, or hotel stays. A recent study found that patients saved nearly 4 hours per visit by using telehealth for check-ins.
More comfort and convenience
You can use devices you already own—like a smart phone or tablet—to stay in touch with the trial team. Some trials even include wearable monitors that track your health while you go about your day. These tools can help track your health and make it easier to stay in the study.
Better access for rural or underserved communities
Not everyone lives near a cancer clinical trial location. These newer trial designs make it possible for people in rural or underserved areas to participate without long travel. You might see a local nurse or use telehealth instead of driving to a hospital that is further away.
More diversity and better retention
When trials are easier to join, more people from different backgrounds can take part. That helps researchers understand how treatments work for a wider range of patients. Plus, participants are more likely to stay in a study if it fits into their daily lives.
Support from the FDA and NCI
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration now encourages trials to include remote visits, home care, and digital health tools. In 2024, they released updated guidance saying that trials can use telehealth, local doctors, and home drug delivery.
The National Cancer Institute also launched a Virtual Clinical Trials Office to support more remote participation in cancer trials, especially for people in rural communities.
These updates show a clear shift: clinical trials are becoming more flexible and focused on patients’ needs.
How to Find a Virtual or Decentralized Clinical Trial
Looking for a clinical trial that works for you? Here are some steps to help you get started:
Talk with your health care team
Tell your doctor that you're interested in learning more about participating in a clinical trial, and it that would be appropriate for you. You can ask specifically about a trial with remote options. Even if your local health care facility isn’t hosting a trial, they may be able to connect you to a trial that is happening somewhere else.
Use trusted search tools
You can also look into your trial options on your own, before you talk with your health care team.
- Triage Cancer’s Clinical Trials Resources includes a few different search tools to access lists of available clinical trials and the eligibility requirements.
- For example, ClinicalTrials.gov lets you search by cancer type, location, and keywords like “telehealth” or “remote.”
Use filters and ask questions
Some trial listings will mention remote check-ins, home lab work, or local care partners. Ask about what visits happen in person, what technology you’ll need, and what kind of support is available.
Educational Resources from Triage Cancer
Triage Cancer offers free tools to help you understand and find clinical trials:
- Animated Video: How to Find and Pay for Clinical Trials?
- Quick Guide to Clinical Trials
- Clinical Trials Module on Cancer Finances
Final Thoughts
Virtual and decentralized clinical trials are reshaping how cancer research is done. These trials are more flexible, inclusive, and focused on what works best for patients.
If you’ve ever thought a trial wasn’t possible because of travel or time, now might be a good time to take another look. Start by visiting Triage Cancer’s Clinical Trials Resource Hub to learn more and explore your options.
About Triage Cancer
Triage Cancer is a national, nonprofit providing free education to people diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, and health care professionals on cancer-related legal and practical issues. Through events, materials, and resources, Triage Cancer is dedicated to helping people move beyond diagnosis.
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