Author information

• ¹Medical Oncology, Velindre Cancer Centre, Cardiff, GBR.
• ²Medical Oncology, Centro Integral Oncológico Clara Campal (CIOCC) Hospital Universitario HM Sanchinarro, Madrid, ESP.

Abstract

This editorial addresses a critical oversight in recent clinical trials on neoadjuvant or perioperative immunotherapy for lung cancer, the exclusion of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV). The ethical implications of this exclusion are highlighted, demonstrating how it undermines principles of inclusivity and equity in clinical research. We emphasize the necessity to include these patients to enhance the generalizability of trial findings. We suggest that trial eligibility criteria be revised, and collaborations with patient advocacy groups be initiated to ensure more inclusive future trials. This approach aims to uphold ethical research practices, yielding robust, representative data, and ultimately improving patient care in oncology.