The Landscape of Randomised Controlled Trials of Therapies inBreast Cancer in Low and Middle Income Countries

Objectives. The objectives of this study were to identify the randomised controlled trials in breast cancer occurring in low andmiddle income countries (LMICs) generally and within Sub-Saharan Africa specifically, to describe the current status and identifyopportunities for further research in these areas.Materials and Methods. Data for this study were obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov.The search term “Breast Cancer Research” was used, and relevant information extracted and analysed.Results.2414trialswereidentified, of which 1099 were eligible for inclusion. 69 of these trials occurred in LMICs. Of the 52 LMICs globally, 30% wereparticipating in breast cancer research. Of the 17 LMICs in Africa, 77% are situated in Sub-Saharan Africa; 23% were participatingin breast cancer research, which accounted for 9% of total Sub-Saharan African studies.Conclusion. This study provides currentevidence for the need for breast cancer research in LMICs globally and within Sub-Saharan Africa. Within LMIC regions whereresearch is active, the type and numbers of studies are unevenly distributed. High quality research within such areas should beencouraged as the results may have both local and global applications, particularly in the provision of affordable health care.