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Iskander R, Moyer H, Vigneault K, Mahmud SM, Kimmelman J. Survival Benefit Associated With Participation in Clinical Trials of Anticancer Drugs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA 2024; 331:2105-2113. [PMID: 38767595 PMCID: PMC11106715 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.6281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Importance Many cancer clinical investigators view clinical trials as offering better care for patients than routine clinical care. However, definitive evidence of clinical benefit from trial participation (hereafter referred to as the participation effect) has yet to emerge. Objective To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence examining whether patient participation in cancer trials was associated with greater survival benefit compared with routine care. Data Sources Studies were found through PubMed and Embase (January 1, 2000, until August 31, 2022), as well as backward and forward citation searching. Study Selection Studies were included that compared overall survival of trial participants and routine care patients. Data Extraction and Synthesis Data extraction and methodological quality assessment were completed by 2 independent coders using Covidence software. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and analyzed based on the quality of the comparison between trial participants and routine care patients (ie, extent to which studies controlled for bias and confounders). Main Outcomes and Measures The hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival of trial participants vs routine care patients. Results Thirty-nine publications were included, comprising 85 comparisons of trial participants and routine care patients. The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant overall survival benefit for trial participants (HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.69-0.82]) when all studies were pooled, regardless of design or quality. However, survival benefits diminished in study subsets that matched trial participants and routine care patients for eligibility criteria (HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.75-0.97]) and disappeared when only high-quality studies were pooled (HR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.80-1.05]). They also disappeared when estimates were adjusted for potential publication bias (HR, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.86-1.03]). Conclusions and Relevance Many studies suggest a survival benefit for cancer trial participants. However, these benefits were not detected in studies using designs addressing important sources of bias and confounding. Pooled results of high-quality studies are not consistent with a beneficial effect of trial participation on its own.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Iskander
- Department of Equity, Ethics and Policy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hannah Moyer
- Department of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Karine Vigneault
- Department of Equity, Ethics and Policy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Salaheddin M. Mahmud
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jonathan Kimmelman
- Department of Equity, Ethics and Policy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Rodríguez-Lobato LG, Tovar N, de Daniel A, Fernández de Larrea C, Cibeira MT, Jiménez-Segura R, Moreno DF, Oliver-Caldés A, Bladé J, Rosiñol L. Outcomes of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Transplant-Ineligible Multiple Myeloma According to Clinical Trials Enrollment: Experience of a Single Institution. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5261. [PMID: 37958434 PMCID: PMC10649258 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The proportion of non-transplant-eligible (NTE) newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients excluded from clinical trials (CTs) and their prognosis is unknown. CT results may not be generalizable to real-world practice due to strict recruitment criteria. We analyzed causes of NTE-NDMM patient exclusion form CTs and their outcomes. A total of 211 NTE-NDMM patients were included. They were divided into three periods: 2003-2007, 2008-2012, and 2013-2017. Overall, 50% received non-trial treatment (NCT), while 50% participated in a CT (20% control group (CG) and 30% experimental group (EG)). Main causes for exclusion from CTs were comorbidities, ECOG > 2, and renal insufficiency. In the first two periods, the CR rate was similar regardless of treatment type, but in the last period, the EG group showed improved CR. Median PFS was similar in the first two periods, with a benefit seen only in the EG in the last period. The median OS was significantly longer in CT-included patients compared to NCT group in the last two periods. Conclusions: The presence of comorbidities and worsened ECOG were the main reasons for CT exclusion. Patients included in CTs had a longer OS than NCT. This OS benefit may be influenced by a selection bias, making it challenging to generalize CT results to real clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Gerardo Rodríguez-Lobato
- Amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma Unit, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.T.); (A.d.D.); (C.F.d.L.); (M.T.C.); (R.J.-S.); (D.F.M.); (A.O.-C.); (J.B.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Tovar
- Amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma Unit, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.T.); (A.d.D.); (C.F.d.L.); (M.T.C.); (R.J.-S.); (D.F.M.); (A.O.-C.); (J.B.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna de Daniel
- Amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma Unit, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.T.); (A.d.D.); (C.F.d.L.); (M.T.C.); (R.J.-S.); (D.F.M.); (A.O.-C.); (J.B.)
| | - Carlos Fernández de Larrea
- Amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma Unit, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.T.); (A.d.D.); (C.F.d.L.); (M.T.C.); (R.J.-S.); (D.F.M.); (A.O.-C.); (J.B.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M. Teresa Cibeira
- Amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma Unit, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.T.); (A.d.D.); (C.F.d.L.); (M.T.C.); (R.J.-S.); (D.F.M.); (A.O.-C.); (J.B.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Jiménez-Segura
- Amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma Unit, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.T.); (A.d.D.); (C.F.d.L.); (M.T.C.); (R.J.-S.); (D.F.M.); (A.O.-C.); (J.B.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David F. Moreno
- Amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma Unit, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.T.); (A.d.D.); (C.F.d.L.); (M.T.C.); (R.J.-S.); (D.F.M.); (A.O.-C.); (J.B.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aina Oliver-Caldés
- Amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma Unit, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.T.); (A.d.D.); (C.F.d.L.); (M.T.C.); (R.J.-S.); (D.F.M.); (A.O.-C.); (J.B.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Bladé
- Amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma Unit, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.T.); (A.d.D.); (C.F.d.L.); (M.T.C.); (R.J.-S.); (D.F.M.); (A.O.-C.); (J.B.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Rosiñol
- Amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma Unit, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (N.T.); (A.d.D.); (C.F.d.L.); (M.T.C.); (R.J.-S.); (D.F.M.); (A.O.-C.); (J.B.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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Okado I, Pagano I, Cassel K, Su'esu'e A, Rhee J, Berenberg J, Holcombe RF. Clinical Research Professional Providing Care Coordination Support: A Study of Hawaii Minority/Underserved NCORP Community Site Trial Participants. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:e1114-e1121. [PMID: 35294261 PMCID: PMC10530402 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although effective care coordination (CC) is recognized as a vital component of a patient-centered, high-quality cancer care delivery system, CC experiences of patients who enroll and receive treatment through clinical trials (CTs) are relatively unknown. Using mixed methods, we examined perceptions of CC among patients enrolled onto therapeutic CTs through the Hawaii Minority/Underserved National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program. METHODS The Care Coordination Instrument, a validated instrument, was used to measure patients' perceptions of CC among CT participants (n = 45) and matched controls (n = 45). Paired t-tests were used to compare overall and three CC domain scores (Communication, Navigation, and Operational) between the groups. Semistructured focus group interviews were conducted virtually with 14 CT participants in 2020/2021. RESULTS CT participants reported significantly higher total CC scores than non-CT participants (P = .0008). Similar trends were found for Navigation and Operational domain scores (P = .007 and .001, respectively). Twenty-nine percent of CT participants reported receiving high-intensity CC assistance from their clinical research professionals (CRPs). Content analysis of focus group discussions revealed that nearly half of the focus group discussions centered on CRPs (47%), including CC support provided by CRPs (26%). Other key themes included general CT experiences (22%) and CRP involvement as an additional benefit to CT participation (15%). CONCLUSION Our results show that patients on CTs in this study had a more positive CC experience. This may be attributable in part to CC support provided by CRPs. These findings highlight both the improved experience of treatment for patients participating in a trial and the generally unrecognized yet integral role of CRPs as part of a cancer CT care team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Okado
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI
| | - Ian Pagano
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI
| | - Kevin Cassel
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI
| | | | - Jessica Rhee
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI
| | | | - Randall F. Holcombe
- University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI
- Current Affiliation: University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, VT
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Han JJ, Kim JW, Suh KJ, Kim JW, Kim SH, Kim YJ, Kim JH, Lee JS, Lee KW. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients enrolled in clinical trials compared with those of patients outside clinical trials in advanced gastric cancer. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2019; 15:158-165. [PMID: 30848562 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Participating in clinical trials could give cancer patients potential benefits such as experimental treatment, meticulous follow-up, and management of toxicities. We hypothesized that patients participating in clinical trials would achieve better survival outcomes than those not enrolled in trials. We assessed whether the trial effect can improve survival for patients with advanced gastric cancer. METHODS We retrospectively enrolled metastatic or recurrent gastric cancer patients who received palliative chemotherapy from January 2010 to December 2012. All patients in this study received fluoropyrimidine and platinum as the first-line palliative chemotherapy. Patients participating in clinical trials were matched 1:1 with patients not enrolled in trial based on propensity-score. RESULTS A total of 229 patients were identified, 83 (36.2%) among them participated in 14 clinical trials for advanced gastric cancer. The number of patients enrolled in phase I, II and III trials were 10, 54 and 19, respectively. The median overall survival of the total study patients was 13.0 months (95% confidence interval, 10.7-15.3 months). In the propensity-score matched population, a total of 78 matched pairs of patients were generated. The median overall survival of the 78 patients who participated in the clinical trials was 6 months longer than that of patients not enrolled in trials, although this benefit was marginally significant (15 months vs 9 months, hazard ratio, 0.709; p = 0.068). Participation in clinical trials was a significant factor to predict better overall survival in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 0.533, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Trial effect may contribute to prolongation of overall survival in patients who participate in clinical trials for advanced gastric cancer. Physicians may discuss trial effect to encourage participation in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Joon Han
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Won Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Koung Jin Suh
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Won Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Hyun Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jung Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Seok Lee
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-Wook Lee
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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Chang AC. Centralizing Esophagectomy to Improve Outcomes and Enhance Clinical Research: Invited Expert Review. Ann Thorac Surg 2018; 106:916-923. [DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Koo KC, Lee JS, Kim JW, Han KS, Lee KS, Kim DK, Ha YS, Rha KH, Hong SJ, Chung BH. Impact of clinical trial participation on survival in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer: a multi-center analysis. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:468. [PMID: 29695228 PMCID: PMC5922318 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4390-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical trial (CT) participation may confer access to new, potentially active agents before their general availability. This study aimed to investigate the potential survival benefit of participation in investigational CTs of novel hormonal, chemotherapeutic, and radiopharmaceutical agents in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). METHODS This multi-center, retrospective analysis included 299 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed, non-metastatic or metastatic CRPC between September 2009 and March 2017. Of these, 65 (21.7%) patients participated in CTs pertaining to systemic treatment targeting CRPC and 234 (78.3%) patients received pre-established, standard systemic treatment outside of a CT setting. The survival advantage of CT participation regarding cancer-specific survival (CSS) was investigated. RESULTS An Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≥2 at CRPC diagnosis was found in a lower proportion CT participants than in non-participants (4.6% vs. 14.9%; p = 0.033). During the median follow-up period of 16.0 months, CT participants exhibited significantly higher 2-year CSS survival rates (61.3% vs. 42.4%; p = 0.003) than did non-participants. Multivariate analysis identified prostate-specific antigen and alkaline phosphatase levels at CRPC onset, Gleason score ≥ 8, ECOG PS ≥2, less number of docetaxel cycles administered, and non-participation in CTs as independent predictors for a lower risk of CSS. CONCLUSIONS Patients diagnosed with CRPC who participated in CTs exhibited longer CSS durations than non-participants who received pre-established, standard systemic therapy outside of a CT setting. Our findings imply that CT participation is associated with CSS, and that CT participation should be offered to patients with CRPC whenever indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyo Chul Koo
- Department of Urology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-720, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Soo Lee
- Department of Urology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Won Kim
- Department of Urology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Suk Han
- Department of Urology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Suk Lee
- Department of Urology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-720, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Kyung Kim
- Department of Urology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-720, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Soo Ha
- Department of Urology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-720, Republic of Korea
| | - Koon Ho Rha
- Department of Urology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Joon Hong
- Department of Urology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Ha Chung
- Department of Urology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-720, Republic of Korea.
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Fouad MN, Acemgil A, Bae S, Forero A, Lisovicz N, Martin MY, Oates GR, Partridge EE, Vickers SM. Patient Navigation As a Model to Increase Participation of African Americans in Cancer Clinical Trials. J Oncol Pract 2016; 12:556-63. [PMID: 27189356 DOI: 10.1200/jop.2015.008946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Less than 10% of patients enrolled in clinical trials are minorities. The patient navigation model has been used to improve access to medical care but has not been evaluated as a tool to increase the participation of minorities in clinical trials. The Increasing Minority Participation in Clinical Trials project used patient navigators (PNs) to enhance the recruitment of African Americans for and their retention in therapeutic cancer clinical trials in a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. METHODS Lay individuals were hired and trained to serve as PNs for clinical trials. African American patients potentially eligible for clinical trials were identified through chart review or referrals by clinic nurses, physicians, and social workers. PNs provided two levels of services: education about clinical trials and tailored support for patients who enrolled in clinical trials. RESULTS Between 2007 and 2014, 424 African American patients with cancer were referred to the Increasing Minority Participation in Clinical Trials project. Of those eligible for a clinical trial (N = 378), 304 (80.4%) enrolled in a trial and 272 (72%) consented to receive patient navigation support. Of those receiving patient navigation support, 74.5% completed the trial, compared with 37.5% of those not receiving patient navigation support. The difference in retention rates between the two groups was statistically significant (P < .001). Participation of African Americans in therapeutic cancer clinical trials increased from 9% to 16%. CONCLUSION Patient navigation for clinical trials successfully retained African Americans in therapeutic trials compared with non-patient navigation trial participation. The model holds promise as a strategy to reduce disparities in cancer clinical trial participation. Future studies should evaluate it with racial/ethnic minorities across cancer centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona N Fouad
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Aras Acemgil
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Sejong Bae
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Unger JM, Barlow WE, Martin DP, Ramsey SD, Leblanc M, Etzioni R, Hershman DL. Comparison of survival outcomes among cancer patients treated in and out of clinical trials. J Natl Cancer Inst 2014; 106:dju002. [PMID: 24627276 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/dju002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical trials test the efficacy of a treatment in a select patient population. We examined whether cancer clinical trial patients were similar to nontrial, "real-world" patients with respect to presenting characteristics and survival. METHODS We reviewed the SWOG national clinical trials consortium database to identify candidate trials. Demographic factors, stage, and overall survival for patients in the standard arms were compared with nontrial control subjects selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Multivariable survival analyses using Cox regression were conducted. The survival functions from aggregate data across all studies were compared separately by prognosis (≥50% vs <50% average 2-year survival). All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS We analyzed 21 SWOG studies (11 good prognosis and 10 poor prognosis) comprising 5190 patients enrolled from 1987 to 2007. Trial patients were younger than nontrial patients (P < .001). In multivariable analysis, trial participation was not associated with improved overall survival for all 11 good-prognosis studies but was associated with better survival for nine of 10 poor-prognosis studies (P < .001). The impact of trial participation on overall survival endured for only 1 year. CONCLUSIONS Trial participation was associated with better survival in the first year after diagnosis, likely because of eligibility criteria that excluded higher comorbidity patients from trials. Similar survival patterns between trial and nontrial patients after the first year suggest that trial standard arm outcomes are generalizable over the long term and may improve confidence that trial treatment effects will translate to the real-world setting. Reducing eligibility criteria would improve access to clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Unger
- Affiliations of authors: SWOG Statistical Center, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (JMU, WEB, ML); University of Washington, Department of Health Services Research, Seattle, WA (DPM); Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (SDR, RE); Division of Hematology/Oncology, Columbia University, New York, NY (DLH)
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Effectiveness of neoadjuvant trastuzumab and chemotherapy in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2013; 139:1229-40. [PMID: 23604446 PMCID: PMC3678021 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-013-1436-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Trastuzumab and chemotherapy is the current standard of care in HER2+ early or locally advanced breast cancer, but there are scanty literature data of its real world effectiveness. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 205 patients with HER2+ breast cancer diagnosed in 10 Italian Medical Oncology Units between July 2003 and October 2011. All patients received neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) with trastuzumab in association with chemotherapy. Many different chemotherapy regimens were used, even if 90 % of patients received schemes including anthracyclines and 99 % received taxanes. NST was administered for more than 21 weeks (median: 24) in 130/205 (63.4 %) patients, while trastuzumab was given for more than 12 weeks (median: 12 weeks) in 101/205 (49.3 %) patients. pCR/0 was defined as ypT0+ypN0, and pCR/is as ypT0/is+ypN0. Results pCR/0 was obtained in 24.8 % and pCR/is in 46.8 % of the patients. At multivariate logistic regression, nonluminal/HER2+ tumors (P < 0.0001) and more than 12 weeks of neoadjuvant trastuzumab treatment (P = 0.03) were independent predictors of pCR/0. Median disease-free survival (DFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) have not been reached at the time of analysis. At multivariate analysis, nonluminal/HER2+ subclass (DFS: P = 0.01 and CSS: P = 0.01) and pathological stage II–III at surgery (DFS: P < 0.0001 and CSS: P = 0.001) were the only variables significantly associated with a worse long-term outcome. Conclusions Our data set the relevance of molecular subclasses and residual tumor burden after neoadjuvant as the most relevant prognostic factors for survival in this cohort of patients.
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Goyal J, Nuhn P, Huang P, Tyagi P, Oh D, Carducci MA, Eisenberger MA, Antonarakis ES. The effect of clinical trial participation versus non-participation on overall survival in men receiving first-line docetaxel-containing chemotherapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. BJU Int 2012; 110:E575-82. [PMID: 22702837 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2012.11286.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Previous studies have reported better outcomes in cancer patients that enrolled in clinical trials, suggesting that trial participation in itself might be beneficial. We investigated the potential positive effect of clinical trial participation on survival outcomes of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who were treated with first-line docetaxel-containing chemotherapy. After accounting for potential baseline inequalities, participation in a clinical trial itself was associated with significantly longer overall survival in these patients. OBJECTIVE • To study differences in baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) receiving first-line docetaxel-containing chemotherapy on prospective clinical studies (trial participants) versus those receiving this therapy outside of a clinical study (non-participants). PATIENTS AND METHODS • Records from 247 consecutive chemotherapy-naive patients who were treated with docetaxel-containing chemotherapy for mCRPC at a single high-volume centre from 1998 to 2010 were reviewed. • All patients received docetaxel either as clinical trial participants (n= 142; 11 separate studies) or as non-participants (n= 105). • Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models predicted overall survival after chemotherapy initiation. RESULTS • There was no significant difference between trial participation and non-participation with respect to patient age, type of primary treatment, tumour grade or clinical stage. • Multivariable analyses showed a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.567; P= 0.027) among trial participants vs non-participants. CONCLUSIONS • Patients that were treated with docetaxel for mCRPC showed a significantly longer overall survival when enrolled in a clinical trial. • Improved survival in trial participants may reflect the better medical oversight typically seen in patients enrolled in trials, more regimented follow-up schedules, or a positive effect on caregivers' attitudes because of greater contact with medical services. • With the retrospective nature of this analysis and the small study population, prospective studies are needed to validate the present findings and to further investigate the relationship between clinical trial participation and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatinder Goyal
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
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Markman M. Outcomes when cancer treatment is delivered on, or off, a clinical trial: implications for generalizability of study results. Oncology 2011; 81:141-2. [PMID: 22024941 DOI: 10.1159/000331208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Blanke CD. Commentary: Clinical Trials Represent the Best Cancer Care. Or Do They? J Oncol Pract 2011; 7:153-4. [DOI: 10.1200/jop.2011.000253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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