Related Experiment Videos
Maximising recruitment into randomised controlled trials: the role of multidisciplinary cancer teams
A G K McNair1, C T P Choh, C Metcalfe
1Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, Clifton, Bristol, UK.
Abstract:
Multidisciplinary cancer teams offer many theoretical benefits, although few have been formally examined. This study evaluated the role of multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings in recruitment into randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Consecutive MDT patient records were categorised into those with or without a recommendation for a national multicentre RCT. Clinical trial office records identified whether patients were subsequently screened and randomised. In 125 MDT meetings, 350 new patients were discussed, of whom 103 were potentially suitable for a RCT. The MDT recommended 68 patients for the trial, of whom 58 (85%) were screened for trial eligibility. Of the 35 without an MDT trial recommendation, only 23 (66%) were screened (p=0.022). This difference persisted and resulted in a greater proportion of MDT recommended patients being recruited (65% versus 49%; p=0.12). This study demonstrates that trial recommendation by an MDT significantly increases trial screening rates and may improve recruitment.
Insights
Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings significantly boost patient screening for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Recommending patients in MDT meetings increases trial screening and may improve overall cancer clinical trial recruitment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Clinical Trials
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings are standard in cancer care, offering theoretical benefits.
- However, their specific impact on clinical trial recruitment remains under-examined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings in enhancing patient recruitment into randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Main Methods:
- Consecutive patient records from MDT meetings were analyzed.
- Patients were categorized based on MDT recommendations for national multicenter RCTs.
- Subsequent screening and randomization data were collected from clinical trial offices.
Main Results:
- Out of 350 new patients discussed in 125 MDT meetings, 103 were potentially suitable for RCTs.
- Patients recommended for RCTs by the MDT showed significantly higher screening rates (85%) compared to those not recommended (66%, p=0.022).
- A trend towards improved recruitment was observed for MDT-recommended patients (65% vs. 49%, p=0.12).
Conclusions:
- MDT recommendations substantially increase the likelihood of patients being screened for clinical trials.
- MDT meetings play a crucial role in optimizing patient enrollment for cancer research, potentially improving recruitment rates.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Cancer Survival Analysis
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
02:56Treatment Resistent Cancers
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...