Abstract: Objective: To systematically evaluate and integrate the experience of cancer patients' participation in clinical trials, so as to realize "patient-centered" clinical trials to improve their participation experience and patient retention. Methods: The study group searched 8 databases including PubMed, CINAHL, CNKI, Wanfang and so on from their inception to March 31, 2025, to collect qualitative studies on cancer patients' participating experience in clinical trials. Results: A total of 13 qualitative studies were included, covering 44 research outcomes, which were summarized into 6 categories, and integrated into 2 synthesized outcomes. The first finding showed that the patient's clinical decision was insufficiently considered causing the decision to be one-sided and hasty. According to the second finding, the number of negative experiences for patients in clinical trials was almost equal to that of positive experiences. Conclusion: Cancer patients in clinical trials had insufficient analytical and decision-making abilities and multiple experiences. Therefore, healthcare professionals should provide multiple fundamental measures to meet patients' diverse needs, effectively transform the multidimensional negative experiences of trial participation into positive ones, and ultimately improve patient retention rates in trials.

Key words: cancer; clinical trial; participation experience; qualitative research; systematic review