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The importance of doing trials right while doing the right trials
David M Dilts1, Steven K Cheng
1Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, USA. dilts@ohsu.edu
Summary
Clinical trials focus on efficiency, but we must also assess effectiveness. Evaluating if the right trials are conducted is crucial for meeting cancer patients' critical needs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Clinical Trial Design
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Current clinical trial research prioritizes efficiency, focusing on accrual and endpoint goals.
- This approach, termed 'doing trials right,' may not guarantee patient benefit.
Purpose of the Study:
- To shift focus from trial efficiency to trial effectiveness.
- To evaluate if clinical trials address the critical needs of cancer patients.
- To advocate for 'doing the right trials.'
Main Methods:
- The study proposes a conceptual framework for assessing trial effectiveness.
- It emphasizes evaluating the impact of trial outcomes on patient needs.
Main Results:
- Current efficiency metrics do not fully capture the value of clinical trials.
- A gap exists between optimizing trial conduct and delivering meaningful patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Assessing the effectiveness of clinical trials is paramount.
- Future research should prioritize 'doing the right trials' to meet critical patient needs in oncology.
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