Articles

Are patients better treated in clinical trials?

BJMO - volume 8, issue 3, july 2014

D. Verhoeven MD, PhD, C. Langenaeken MD, Wim Demey MD, S. Meers MD, PhD

The accepted opinion in the oncological community is that patients are better off when treated within the context of a clinical trial. However, based upon a critical analysis of the available literature, there is little unbiased evidence of outcome improvement. Important ethical considerations must be taken into account. Also a lot of problems arise with the regulation of the trials and the administrative burden. Patients must be enrolled in a clinical trial on the basis of improving treatment options for future patients.

(BELG J MED ONCOL 2014;8(3):94–7)

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