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Franco JV, Trivisonno L, Sgarbossa NJ, Alvez GA, Fieiras C, Escobar Liquitay CM, Jung JH. Serenoa repens for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 6:CD001423. [PMID: 37345871 PMCID: PMC10286776 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001423.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate, which can lead to obstructive and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The pharmacologic use of plants and herbs (phytotherapy) for the treatment of LUTS associated with BPH is common. The extract of the berry of the American saw palmetto or dwarf palm plant, Serenoa repens (SR), which is also known by its botanical name of Sabal serrulatum, is one of several phytotherapeutic agents available for the treatment of BPH. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of Serenoa repens in the treatment of men with LUTS consistent with BPH. SEARCH METHODS We performed a comprehensive search of multiple databases (the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS), trials registries, other sources of grey literature, and conference proceedings published up to 16 September 2022, with no restrictions on language or publication status. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomized controlled trials of participants with BPH who were treated with Serenoa repens or placebo/no treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion at each stage and undertook data extraction and risk of bias assessment and GRADE assessment of the certainty of the evidence. We considered review outcomes measured up to 12 months after randomization as short term, and beyond 12 months as long term. Our main outcomes included urologic symptom scores, quality of life, and adverse events. MAIN RESULTS For this update, we narrowed the review question to only comparisons with placebo. We included 27 studies (of which 9 were new) involving a total of 4656 participants, 19 studies comparing Serenoa repens with placebo, and 8 studies comparing Serenoa repens in combination with other phytotherapeutic agents versus placebo. Most studies included men aged > 50 (mean age range 52 to 68) with moderate urologic symptoms (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] range 8 to 19). Ten studies were funded by the pharmaceutical industry; two studies were funded by government agencies; and the remaining studies did not specify funding sources. Serenoa repens versus placebo or no intervention Results for this comparison are based on predefined sensitivity analyses limited to studies at low risk of bias. Serenoa repens results in little to no difference in urologic symptoms at short-term follow-up (3 to 6 months; IPSS score range 0 to 35, higher scores indicate worse symptoms; mean difference (MD) -0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.74 to -0.07; I2 = 68%; 9 studies, 1681 participants; high-certainty evidence). Serenoa repens results in little to no difference in the quality of life at short-term follow-up (3 to 6 months; IPSS quality of life domain range 0 to 6, higher scores indicate worse quality of life; MD -0.20, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.00; I2 = 39%; 5 studies, 1001 participants; high-certainty evidence). Serenoa repens probably results in little to no difference in adverse events (1 to 17 months; risk ratio (RR) 1.01, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.31; I2 = 18%; 12 studies, 2399 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Based on 164 cases per 1000 men in the placebo group, this corresponds to 2 more (38 fewer to 51 more) per 1000 men in the Serenoa repens group. Serenoa repens results in little to no difference in urologic symptoms at long-term follow-up (12 to 17 months, IPSS score, MD 0.07, 95% CI -0.75 to 0.88; I2 = 34%; 3 studies, 898 participants; high-certainty evidence). Serenoa repens results in little to no difference in quality of life at long-term follow-up (12 to 17 months, IPSS quality of life, MD -0.11, 95% CI -0.41 to 0.19; I2 = 65%; 3 studies, 882 participants; high-certainty evidence). There were no data on long-term adverse events for this comparison. Serenoa repens in combination with other phytotherapy versus placebo or no intervention Different phytotherapeutic agents that include Serenoa repens may result in little to no difference in urologic symptoms compared to placebo at short-term follow-up (12 to 24 weeks, IPSS score, MD -2.41, 95% CI -4.54 to -0.29; I2 = 67%; 4 studies, 460 participants; low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain about the effects of these agents on quality of life (very low-certainty evidence). These agents may result in little to no difference in the occurrence of adverse events; however, the CIs included substantial benefits and harms (12 to 48 weeks, RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.41; I2 = 0%; 4 studies, 481 participants; low-certainty evidence). Based on 132 cases per 1000 men in the placebo group, this corresponds to 12 fewer (55 fewer to 54 more) per 1000 men in the combined phytotherapeutic agents with Serenoa repens group. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Serenoa repens alone provides little to no benefits for men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement. There is more uncertainty about the role of Serenoa repens in combination with other phytotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Va Franco
- Institute of General Practice, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Leonel Trivisonno
- Department of Health Science, Universidad Nacional de La Matanza, San Justo, Argentina
| | - Nadia J Sgarbossa
- Department of Health Science, Universidad Nacional de La Matanza, San Justo, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Ariel Alvez
- Medical School, Instituto Universitario Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Fieiras
- Medical School, Instituto Universitario Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Jae Hung Jung
- Department of Urology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea, South
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Moyad MA. Nutraceuticals and Phytotherapy in Men's Health: Antioxidants, Pro-oxidants, and a Novel Opportunity for Lifestyle Changes. Urol Clin North Am 2022; 49:239-248. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Pang X, Gao L, Wang B, Chen XJ, Zhang J, Guo BL, Ma BP. New steroidal glycosides from the roots of Asparagus cochinchinensis. JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH 2021; 23:205-216. [PMID: 33459045 DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2021.1873956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Steroidal saponins were the main active constituents of the traditional medicinal herb Asparagus cochinchinensis. A phytochemical investigation of A. cochinchinensis roots led to the isolation of nine new steroidal glycosides (1-9) and seven known analogues (10-16). Their structures were established by spectroscopic analyses as well as necessary chemical evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Pang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Lin Gao
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Chen
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Bao-Lin Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Bai-Ping Ma
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
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Natale P, Saglimbene V, Ruospo M, Gonzalez AM, Strippoli GF, Scholes-Robertson N, Guha C, Craig JC, Teixeira-Pinto A, Snelling T, Tong A. Transparency, trust and minimizing burden to increase recruitment and retention in trials: a systematic review. J Clin Epidemiol 2021; 134:35-51. [PMID: 33515656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe patient perspectives on recruitment and retention in clinical trials. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING Systematic review of qualitative studies that reported the perspective of adult patients with any health condition who accepted or declined to participate in clinical trials. RESULTS Sixty-three articles involving 1681 adult patients were included. Six themes were identified. Four themes reflected barriers: ambiguity of context and benefit - patients were unaware of the research question and felt pressured in making decisions; lacking awareness of opportunities - some believed health professionals obscured trials opportunities, or felt confused because of language barriers; wary of added burden - patients were without capacity because of sickness or competing priorities; and skepticism, fear and mistrust - patients feared loss of privacy, were suspicious of doctor's motivation, afraid of being a guinea pig, and disengaged from not knowing outcomes. Two themes captured facilitators: building confidence - patients hoped for better treatment, were supported from family members and trusted medical staff; and social gains and belonging to the community - altruism, a sense of belonging and peer encouragement motivated participation in trials. CONCLUSION Improving the visibility and transparency of trials, supporting informed decision making, minimizing burden, and ensuring confidence and trust may improve patient participation in trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Natale
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
| | - Valeria Saglimbene
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Marinella Ruospo
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Matus Gonzalez
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Giovanni Fm Strippoli
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicole Scholes-Robertson
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Chandana Guha
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan C Craig
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Armando Teixeira-Pinto
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Tom Snelling
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Allison Tong
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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Bracken K, Hague W, Keech A, Conway A, Handelsman DJ, Grossmann M, Jesudason D, Stuckey B, Yeap BB, Inder W, Allan C, McLachlan R, Robledo KP, Wittert G. Recruitment of men to a multi-centre diabetes prevention trial: an evaluation of traditional and online promotional strategies. Trials 2019; 20:366. [PMID: 31217024 PMCID: PMC6585027 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3485-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Effective interventions are required to prevent the current rapid increase in the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. Clinical trials of large-scale interventions to prevent Type 2 diabetes are essential but recruitment is challenging and expensive, and there are limited data regarding the most cost-effective and efficient approaches to recruitment. This paper aims to evaluate the cost and effectiveness of a range of promotional strategies used to recruit men to a large Type 2 diabetes prevention trial. Methods An observational study was conducted nested within the Testosterone for the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes (T4DM) study, a large, multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) of testosterone treatment for the prevention of Type 2 diabetes in men aged 50–74 years at high risk of developing diabetes. Study participation was promoted via mainstream media—television, newspaper and radio; direct marketing using mass mail-outs, publicly displayed posters and attendance at local events; digital platforms, including Facebook and Google; and online promotions by community organisations and businesses. For each strategy, the resulting number of participants and the direct cost involved were recorded. The staff effort required for each strategy was estimated based on feedback from staff. Results Of 19,022 men screened for the study, 1007 (5%) were enrolled. The most effective recruitment strategies were targeted radio advertising (accounting for 42% of participants), television news coverage (20%) and mass mail-outs (17%). Other strategies, including radio news, publicly displayed posters, attendance at local events, newspaper advertising, online promotions and Google and Facebook advertising, each accounted for no more than 4% of enrolled participants. Recruitment promotions cost an average of AU$594 per randomised participant. The most cost-effective paid strategy was mass mail-outs by a government health agency (AU$745 per participant). Other paid strategies were more expensive: mail-out by general practitioners (GPs) (AU$1104 per participant), radio advertising (AU$1081) and newspaper advertising (AU$1941). Conclusion Radio advertising, television news coverage and mass mail-outs by a government health agency were the most effective recruitment strategies. Close monitoring of recruitment outcomes and ongoing enhancement of recruitment activities played a central role in recruitment to this RCT. Trial registration ANZCTR, ID: ACTRN12612000287831. Registered on 12 March 2012. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3485-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Bracken
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Wendy Hague
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony Keech
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ann Conway
- Anzac Research Institute, and Andrology Department, Concord Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- Anzac Research Institute, and Andrology Department, Concord Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine, the University of Melbourne, and Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Bronwyn Stuckey
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Keogh Institute of Medical Research, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Bu B Yeap
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medical School, University of Western Australia and Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Warrick Inder
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Carolyn Allan
- Department of Clinical Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert McLachlan
- Department of Clinical Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kristy P Robledo
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gary Wittert
- Freemasons Foundation Centre for Men's Health, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Bracken K, Askie L, Keech AC, Hague W, Wittert G. Recruitment strategies in randomised controlled trials of men aged 50 years and older: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e025580. [PMID: 30948584 PMCID: PMC6500287 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify and review evaluations of strategies to recruit men aged 50 years and over to randomised controlled trials (RCTs). DESIGN Systematic review and narrative synthesis. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and ORRCA databases were searched to 1 December 2017. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies using quantitative methods to evaluate recruitment strategies to RCTs of men aged 50 years and older. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS A single reviewer extracted data (for each strategy, number of participants approached, screened and randomised, and cost). Study quality was assessed using National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Quality Assessment Tools and considered study design, description of interventions, description and measurement of outcomes, completeness of outcome reporting, performance of statistical testing and consideration of confounders. Recruitment strategies were categorised by the recruitment stage they addressed. RESULTS Sixteen studies (n >14 000) were included: one good quality, ten fair quality and five poor quality. Studies evaluated strategies to identify prospective participants, and to improve the processes for assessing participant eligibility, providing participant information and seeking consent. In good and fair quality studies, the most effective strategies for identifying participants were referral from an affiliated health service provider (two studies), mass mailing (five studies) and media coverage (two studies). Community outreach activities such as displaying posters and attending local community events were not effective (two studies). Trial-specific training of site recruitment staff, developed using qualitative analysis of recruitment visits (two studies), and provision of study information to prospective participants at a multidisciplinary, group information session (one study) both improved recruitment. CONCLUSION Improved engagement of men aged 50 years and older in RCTs is needed. A gender-sensitised approach to RCT recruitment may help to address this need. We have identified several promising recruitment strategies that merit further evaluation. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42017060301.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Bracken
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lisa Askie
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony C Keech
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wendy Hague
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gary Wittert
- Department of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Treweek S, Pitkethly M, Cook J, Fraser C, Mitchell E, Sullivan F, Jackson C, Taskila TK, Gardner H. Strategies to improve recruitment to randomised trials. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 2:MR000013. [PMID: 29468635 PMCID: PMC7078793 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.mr000013.pub6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recruiting participants to trials can be extremely difficult. Identifying strategies that improve trial recruitment would benefit both trialists and health research. OBJECTIVES To quantify the effects of strategies for improving recruitment of participants to randomised trials. A secondary objective is to assess the evidence for the effect of the research setting (e.g. primary care versus secondary care) on recruitment. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Methodology Review Group Specialised Register (CMR) in the Cochrane Library (July 2012, searched 11 February 2015); MEDLINE and MEDLINE In Process (OVID) (1946 to 10 February 2015); Embase (OVID) (1996 to 2015 Week 06); Science Citation Index & Social Science Citation Index (ISI) (2009 to 11 February 2015) and ERIC (EBSCO) (2009 to 11 February 2015). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of methods to increase recruitment to randomised trials. This includes non-healthcare studies and studies recruiting to hypothetical trials. We excluded studies aiming to increase response rates to questionnaires or trial retention and those evaluating incentives and disincentives for clinicians to recruit participants. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We extracted data on: the method evaluated; country in which the study was carried out; nature of the population; nature of the study setting; nature of the study to be recruited into; randomisation or quasi-randomisation method; and numbers and proportions in each intervention group. We used a risk difference to estimate the absolute improvement and the 95% confidence interval (CI) to describe the effect in individual trials. We assessed heterogeneity between trial results. We used GRADE to judge the certainty we had in the evidence coming from each comparison. MAIN RESULTS We identified 68 eligible trials (24 new to this update) with more than 74,000 participants. There were 63 studies involving interventions aimed directly at trial participants, while five evaluated interventions aimed at people recruiting participants. All studies were in health care.We found 72 comparisons, but just three are supported by high-certainty evidence according to GRADE.1. Open trials rather than blinded, placebo trials. The absolute improvement was 10% (95% CI 7% to 13%).2. Telephone reminders to people who do not respond to a postal invitation. The absolute improvement was 6% (95% CI 3% to 9%). This result applies to trials that have low underlying recruitment. We are less certain for trials that start out with moderately good recruitment (i.e. over 10%).3. Using a particular, bespoke, user-testing approach to develop participant information leaflets. This method involved spending a lot of time working with the target population for recruitment to decide on the content, format and appearance of the participant information leaflet. This made little or no difference to recruitment: absolute improvement was 1% (95% CI -1% to 3%).We had moderate-certainty evidence for eight other comparisons; our confidence was reduced for most of these because the results came from a single study. Three of the methods were changes to trial management, three were changes to how potential participants received information, one was aimed at recruiters, and the last was a test of financial incentives. All of these comparisons would benefit from other researchers replicating the evaluation. There were no evaluations in paediatric trials.We had much less confidence in the other 61 comparisons because the studies had design flaws, were single studies, had very uncertain results or were hypothetical (mock) trials rather than real ones. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The literature on interventions to improve recruitment to trials has plenty of variety but little depth. Only 3 of 72 comparisons are supported by high-certainty evidence according to GRADE: having an open trial and using telephone reminders to non-responders to postal interventions both increase recruitment; a specialised way of developing participant information leaflets had little or no effect. The methodology research community should improve the evidence base by replicating evaluations of existing strategies, rather than developing and testing new ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Treweek
- University of AberdeenHealth Services Research UnitForesterhillAberdeenUKAB25 2ZD
| | - Marie Pitkethly
- University of DundeeNRS Primary Care NetworkThe Mackenzie BuildingKirsty Semple WayDundeeTaysideUKDD2 4BF
| | - Jonathan Cook
- University of OxfordNDORMSCentre for Statistics in MedicineNuffield Orthoapedic Centre, Windmill RdOxfordScotlandUKAB25 2ZD
| | - Cynthia Fraser
- University of AberdeenHealth Services Research UnitForesterhillAberdeenUKAB25 2ZD
| | - Elizabeth Mitchell
- Hull York Medical SchoolHertford BuildingUniversity of HullHullUKHU6 7RX
| | - Frank Sullivan
- University of St AndrewsDivision of Population & Behavioural ScienceNorth HaughUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUKKY16 9TF
| | - Catherine Jackson
- University of Central LancashireHarrington BuildingHA123PrestonUKPR1 2HE
| | - Tyna K Taskila
- The Work FoundationCentre for Workforce Effectiveness21 Palmer StreetLondonUKSW1V 3PF
| | - Heidi Gardner
- University of AberdeenHealth Services Research UnitForesterhillAberdeenUKAB25 2ZD
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Bhanushali MJ, Gustafson T, Powell S, Conwit RA, Wolinsky JS, Cutter GR, Lublin FD, Cofield SS. Recruitment of participants to a multiple sclerosis trial: the CombiRx experience. Clin Trials 2014; 11:159-66. [PMID: 24686106 PMCID: PMC3972629 DOI: 10.1177/1740774513517184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND and purpose Participant recruitment is central to all clinical trials. Any delay in recruitment affects the completion and ultimate success of the trial. We report our experience with patient screening and randomization in CombiRx, which may inform the design of other trials. CombiRx was a multicenter, phase III, double-blind, randomized clinical trial comparing the combined use of interferon beta-1a and glatiramer acetate to either agent alone in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). This trial was launched in January 2005 in 69 centers in the United States and Canada under a co-operative agreement with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The goal was to recruit 1000 patients over 1.5 years after a 6-month start-up period. Instead, the investigators required 4.25 years to enroll 1008 patients. METHODS During this trial, we assessed the effectiveness of various recruitment strategies, utility of rescreening prior screen failures, and potential factors and strategies used in study conduct, research, and infrastructure, all of which affected recruitment of participants and ultimately time to completion of CombiRx. We particularly were interested in the variability in time to site initiation between academic centers and private practice sites. RESULTS Physicians who were directly involved in the medical care of patients with RRMS were the primary source of patients recruited to CombiRx. A flexible study design that allowed for rescreening of the initial screen failures after a period of time was useful due to the relapsing/remitting course of the disease. Academic centers took longer to implement the trial than the private practice centers, but once sites were approved for enrollment, there was no important difference in the number of participants enrolled. LIMITATIONS The CombiRx trial was conducted during a period when multiple new medications were being tested, thus affecting the pace of recruitment and limiting ability to generalize our experiences. However, the lessons we learned about process are relevant. CONCLUSION Participants can be enrolled successfully in a clinical trial for RRMS, but factors affecting the time to achieve the requirements needed to start screening can be unpredictable and problematic. Prospective planning by the sponsors and investigators, use of central institutional review boards (IRBs), master trial agreements and secure remote desktop access to the trial database may expedite trial implementation and participant recruitment. A good scientific research question with flexible study design and active involvement of the clinicians are important factors driving recruitment. Clinical trials can be implemented successfully both in private practices and at academic centers, a consideration when selecting sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minal J Bhanushali
- aThe National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Health (NINDS/NIH), Rockville, MD, USA
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Barry MJ, Meleth S, Lee JY, Kreder KJ, Avins AL, Nickel JC, Roehrborn CG, Crawford ED, Foster HE, Kaplan SA, McCullough A, Andriole GL, Naslund MJ, Williams OD, Kusek JW, Meyers CM, Betz JM, Cantor A, McVary KT. Effect of increasing doses of saw palmetto extract on lower urinary tract symptoms: a randomized trial. JAMA 2011; 306:1344-51. [PMID: 21954478 PMCID: PMC3326341 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2011.1364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Saw palmetto fruit extracts are widely used for treating lower urinary tract symptoms attributed to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); however, recent clinical trials have questioned their efficacy, at least at standard doses (320 mg/d). OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of saw palmetto extract (Serenoa repens, from saw palmetto berries) at up to 3 times the standard dose on lower urinary tract symptoms attributed to BPH. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled randomized trial at 11 North American clinical sites conducted between June 5, 2008, and October 10, 2010, of 369 men aged 45 years or older, with a peak urinary flow rate of at least 4 mL/s, an American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUASI) score of between 8 and 24 at 2 screening visits, and no exclusions. INTERVENTIONS One, 2, and then 3 doses (320 mg/d) of saw palmetto extract or placebo, with dose increases at 24 and 48 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Difference in AUASI score between baseline and 72 weeks. Secondary outcomes included measures of urinary bother, nocturia, peak uroflow, postvoid residual volume, prostate-specific antigen level, participants' global assessments, and indices of sexual function, continence, sleep quality, and prostatitis symptoms. RESULTS Between baseline and 72 weeks, mean AUASI scores decreased from 14.42 to 12.22 points (-2.20 points; 95% CI, -3.04 to -1.36) [corrected]with saw palmetto extract and from 14.69 to 11.70 points (-2.99 points; 95% CI, -3.81 to -2.17) with placebo. The group mean difference in AUASI score change from baseline to 72 weeks between the saw palmetto extract and placebo groups was 0.79 points favoring placebo (upper bound of the 1-sided 95% CI most favorable to saw palmetto extract was 1.77 points, 1-sided P = .91). Saw palmetto extract was no more effective than placebo for any secondary outcome. No clearly attributable adverse effects were identified. CONCLUSION Increasing doses of a saw palmetto fruit extract did not reduce lower urinary tract symptoms more than placebo. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00603304.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Barry
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, Ninth Floor, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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