Recruitment remains a well-known hurdle in Phase 1 oncology clinical trials, but what happens after enrolment is equally vital: patient retention. Keeping patients on a trial through its duration presents an equally critical challenge that directly impacts study validity, operational efficiency and future patient willingness to participate in research.

For oncology trials, retention operates on two distinct but interconnected levels: maintaining patients on specific protocols and retaining them within research programs as they transition between treatments.

Retention challenges are especially pronounced in early-phase oncology trials, where visit schedules are intense, procedures are demanding and the emotional weight of participation is high. When patients drop out of trials prematurely, sponsors face delayed timelines and inflated costs. A study designed for 100 completed participants may require enroling 150 patients to account for dropouts, extending recruitment periods and resource allocation. More concerning, early departures due to poor experiences can sour patients on future trial participation, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond individual studies.