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Whole-body PET/MRI of Pediatric Patients: The Details That Matter
Published on: December 19, 2017
German Paediatric Research Network (PAED-Net)
Monika Seibert-Grafe1, Raunhild Butzer, Fred Zepp
1Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Trials (IZKS), University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany. seibert-grafe@izks-mainz.de
Insights
Pediatric clinical trials are essential for advancing child healthcare. The German Paediatric Network (PAED-Net) has significantly improved pediatric trial conduct and awareness through infrastructure development and training.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric clinical pharmacology
- Drug development in children
- Evidence-based medicine for pediatrics
Background:
- Clinical trials in children are mandatory for drug safety and efficacy, especially for off-label use.
- The European Union's Paediatric Regulation (2007) mandates pediatric clinical trials.
- The German Paediatric Network (PAED-Net) was founded in 2002 to enhance pediatric clinical trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish competence, infrastructure, networking, and education for pediatric clinical trials in Germany.
- To improve the quality and conduct of clinical trials involving children.
- To raise awareness among medical professionals and the public about the importance of pediatric trials.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of a network comprising six pediatric clinical units and a coordinating office.
- Development and implementation of training programs for investigators and nurses.
- Securing public funding from the German Ministry of Education and Research.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in the conduct of pediatric clinical trials have been achieved.
- Enhanced knowledge and awareness regarding pediatric clinical trials among healthcare professionals and the public.
- Strengthened infrastructure and networking capabilities for pediatric research.
Conclusions:
- Quality-controlled data from pediatric trials are crucial for therapeutic innovation and evidence-based medicine in children.
- Despite challenges, pediatric trials are vital for ensuring the youngest patient population benefits from medical advancements.
- PAED-Net has successfully contributed to advancing pediatric clinical research in Germany.
Abstract:
Clinical trials in children are mandatory to generate data on new drugs as well as on drugs used off-label or for unlicensed indications. The EU Paediatric Regulation introduced in 2007 provides the background, goals, and requirements for pediatric clinical trials. The German Paediatric Network (PAED-Net) was established in 2002 with a public grant from the German Ministry of Education and Research with the aim of developing competence, infrastructure, networking, and education for pediatric clinical trials. The network, consisting of six pediatric clinical units and a coordinating office, has progressed very well and has achieved valuable improvements concerning the conduct of pediatric clinical trials. In addition, training programs have encouraged knowledge about clinical trials in investigators and nurses and have made medical professionals as well as the public aware of the need and advantages of trials in children. Although these trials are still challenging from the ethical, scientific, and clinical points of view, quality-controlled data are the prerequisite for sharing therapeutic innovations for children and for applying the principles of evidence-based medicine to the youngest patient population.
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