Over the past two decades, the globalization of oncology clinical trials has expanded, yet significant disparities persist across countries. This study aimed to evaluate these geographical inequalities, the evolution of trial phases, and the adherence to ethical standards according to the World Bank's income group. The ClinicalTrials.gov database was searched and recorded in June 2024. We analyzed data from 87 748 oncology clinical trials conducted between 2000 and 2021, across high-income (HICs), upper-middle-income (UMICs), lower-middle-income (LMICs), and low-income countries. Key metrics included trial density, funding sources, registration timing, and trial phase distribution. The number of oncology trials increased significantly, with a mean absolute annual rise of 266.6 trials, with China currently being the leading site of early- and validation-phase trials. While HICs still present the highest trial densities, UMICs showed a notable increase in early-phase trials, reflecting a shift in research dynamics. However, despite these advances, 76.4% of countries still had no new trials initiated by 2024. Additionally, ethical practices saw improvement from 2005 to 2021 with an increase in pre-commencement registration (from 9.2% to 58%, P < 0.0001), and more validation-phase trials with a survival variable as the primary outcome (from 40% to 59.6%, P < 0.0001). Despite the growth in oncology clinical trials, significant disparities in trial distribution and access remain, especially in LMICs. Continued investments in research infrastructure and adherence to ethical standards are crucial to ensure that clinical research benefits are equitably distributed, particularly in regions with the greatest need for advanced cancer therapies.

Definitive external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is an unusual treatment of unresectable soft-tissue sarcomas (STS). Recent technical innovations and physical advantages of particle therapies may impro...

Aim: To assess the efficacy of focal photocoagulation of capillary macroaneurysms (CMA) to reduce the burden of intravitreal injections (IVI) in patients with macular edema (ME). Materials and Methods: Retrospective multicenter study in patients with diabetic ME or ME secondary to retinal vein occlusion (ME-RVO). CMA associated with ME were selectively photocoagulated. Patients were followed for one year after photocoagulation. Results: 93 eyes of 76 patients were included in this study. At 6 months after the laser (n = 93), there was a significant decrease in mean macular thickness (from 354 µm to 314 µm, p < 0.001) and in mean IVI number (from 2.52 to 1.52 at 6 months, p < 0.001). The mean BCVA remained stable (0.32 and 0.31 logMAR at baseline and 6 months, p = 0.95). At 12 months (n = 81/93), there was a significant decrease in mean macular thickness (from 354 µm to 314 µm, p < 0.001) and in mean IVI number (from 4.44 to 2.95 at 12 months, p < 0.001), while the mean BCVA remained stable (0.32 and 0.30 logMAR at baseline and 12 months, p = 0.16). Conclusion: Focal laser photocoagulation of CMA seems to be effective and safe for reducing the burden of IVI in patients with ME. Their screening during the follow-up should be considered closely.