The Size of Clinical Trials in Cancer Research
Author Information
Author(s): L.S. Freedman
Primary Institution: MRC Cancer Trials Office
Hypothesis
What is the appropriate number of patients needed for clinical trials in cancer treatment?
Conclusion
For certain types of cancer trials, a large number of patients is necessary, while for others, it is not required or feasible.
Supporting Evidence
- Most cancer trials have included a few hundred patients or less.
- Some argue that thousands of patients should be included in trials.
- Certain types of cancer trials do not require large numbers of patients.
Takeaway
Some cancer studies need a lot of patients to find out if a treatment works, but others can work with fewer patients.
Methodology
The paper discusses statistical arguments for the number of patients needed in cancer trials and evaluates different strategies for trial design.
Limitations
The paper does not provide specific data on the number of patients in various trials or the exact feasibility of large trials for all cancer types.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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