2026 · International journal of clinical oncology · open access
Bridging the distance in precision oncology: a nationwide survey on institutional perspectives toward telemedicine and decentralized trials in Japan
Taniguchi et al.
The finding, in our words
A nationwide survey of 194 professionals across 140 Japanese hospitals found that geographic and logistical barriers limit access to comprehensive genomic profiling and genotype-matched trials, with over half of eligible patients declining participation due to travel distance; most institutions support telemedicine for consent and results and view DCTs as essential to improve equitable access.
A paraphrase to the Library’s standard, never the abstract. The source is one link away and is always the authority.
This review suggests that decentralised clinical trials in oncology can improve patient participation and equity but face significant regulatory, logistical and digital hurdles. It concludes that these trials offer a flexible model dependent on specific clinical contexts rather than a universal replacement for conventional methods.
Gentile et al., Critical reviews in oncology/hematology (paywalled) · source ↗
Hybrid decentralized oncology trials are feasible in community hospitals beyond traditional networks, reducing logistical and financial burdens and enabling rapid initiation and patient referrals within three months.
This study demonstrated that a fully remote genome sequencing study using self-collected dried blood spots and buccal swabs is feasible for individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome, with all participants completing the study and reporting the process was easy despite being lengthy. The design successfully returned actionable genetic findings, including those related to blood clot formation, to participants.
Vrana-Diaz et al., Genetics in medicine open · source ↗
In a one-week virtual home clinic with 134 participants, 86 per cent returned saliva and 84 per cent returned stool, and most components were feasible and acceptable despite device and logistical challenges. This supports decentralised, patient-centric self-collection of non-blood biospecimens for research.