If you had met Henrietta Lacks in 1950, you would have been charmed by the vibrant 30-year-old African American woman who loved to cook, dance, and care for her family. What she could never have imagined was that her cells—taken without her consent at Johns Hopkins Hospital—would become the foundation for some of the most groundbreaking discoveries in modern medicine, particularly in oncology research. HeLa cells, named after her, were the first immortal human cell line and have been instrumental in advancing cancer treatments, vaccines, and clinical trials worldwide.

Yet, Henrietta’s story is also a cautionary tale of ethical failures in clinical research, a lack of informed consent, and the underrepresentation of Black patients in clinical trials. Today, as oncology Contract Research Organizations (CROs) drive cancer research forward, Henrietta Lacks’ legacy serves as a critical lesson in ethical responsibility, equitable participation, and the power of scientific breakthroughs.

1. Informed Consent is the Foundation of Ethical Clinical Trials

Henrietta Lacks visited Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1951 for cervical cancer treatment. Without her knowledge or permission, doctors took a biopsy of her cancerous cells, which later became the first human cell line to continuously grow in culture—leading to HeLa’s immense contribution to science. The problem? She never gave consent.

Informed consent is now a legal and ethical necessity in clinical trials, ensuring that patients understand their participation, risks, and potential benefits. This is especially crucial in oncology clinical trials, where therapies are often experimental and high-risk. Modern oncology CROs must uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring clear communication and transparency in trial participation.

HeLa cells’ story has since influenced regulatory protections, including Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards, which safeguard patient rights. However, gaps still exist, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Key Takeaway: Ethical oncology trials must be built on transparency, prioritizing patient autonomy and informed consent to maintain trust and integrity.

Committed to fostering transparency and ethical research practices for both our sponsors and patients alike, learn more about how TFS puts trust and transparency at the heart of everything we do.

2. Diversity in Oncology Research Leads to Better Treatment Outcomes

Despite Henrietta Lacks’ cells fueling decades of cancer research, Black patients remain underrepresented in clinical trials. Studies show that only 5% of clinical trial participants are Black, even though cancer disproportionately impacts Black communities.

Certain cancer therapies respond differently across racial and ethnic groups due to genetic variations, socioeconomic factors, and access to care. Examples include:

• Albuterol, a common asthma medication, is less effective in Black and Puerto Rican populations.
• Oncology immunotherapies show varying efficacy rates depending on genetic backgrounds.
• Stroke risk prediction tools are less reliable for Black patients, as shown in Duke Clinical Research Institute findings.

Oncology CROs and sponsors must work to close this gap by prioritizing diverse patient recruitment, engaging community stakeholders, and addressing historical mistrust in medical research.

Key Takeaway: To develop effective and equitable cancer treatments, CROs must prioritize diversity in clinical trial enrollment for oncology clinical trials.

3.  Collaboration in Oncology Research Drives Innovation

Henrietta Lacks’ cells have been instrumental in cancer breakthroughs, including chemotherapy advancements, the HPV vaccine, and precision oncology. Her story highlights the power of collaboration—between researchers, institutions, and patients—to accelerate oncology innovation.

The oncology CRO landscape thrives on partnerships that enhance cancer research. Today’s leading CROs are leveraging:

• Multi-site clinical trials to reach broader, more diverse patient populations.
• AI-powered patient matching tools to improve trial recruitment and efficiency.
• Wearable and digital health technologies to collect real-world evidence (RWE) and enhance patient monitoring.

Despite these advances, the ethics behind Henrietta’s story remind us that collaborative research must always center on transparency and patient rights.

Key Takeaway: Ethical collaboration between CROs, biopharma, and patient communities is crucial for advancing oncology research while maintaining trust and scientific integrity.

Conclusion

Henrietta Lacks’ legacy is a powerful reminder of both the progress and the challenges in clinical research. Her HeLa cells have driven critical oncology advancements, yet her story underscores the ongoing need for ethical standards, diversity, and patient-first clinical trials.

As oncology CROs continue leading clinical innovation, they must honor these lessons—ensuring that all patients, regardless of background, have access to groundbreaking, ethical, and effective cancer therapies.

About TFS HealthScience Oncology CRO Services

TFS HealthScience is a global Contract Research Organization (CRO) that specializes in oncology clinical trials, supporting biopharmaceutical and biotechnology in advancing breakthrough cancer treatments. With deep expertise in solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, and immuno-oncology, we provide tailored solutions to accelerate drug development while maintaining the highest ethical and regulatory standards.

 Our functional service provider (FSP) model and strategic resourcing solutions (SRS) ensure that sponsors have access to specialized oncology research professionals, optimizing efficiency and trial success. By integrating cutting-edge technology, real-world evidence (RWE), and patient-centric trial designs, we help bring innovative cancer therapies to market faster.

 As a trusted oncology CRO, TFS is committed to advancing clinical research through ethical, efficient, and data-driven approaches. Explore our oncology-focused solutions or connect with our experts to discuss your next oncology trial.