Issues in applying multi-arm multi-stage methodology to a clinical trial in prostate cancer: the MRC STAMPEDE trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The multi-arm multi-stage (MAMS) trial is a new paradigm for conducting randomised controlled trials that allows the simultaneous assessment of a number of research treatments against a single control arm. MAMS trials provide earlier...

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Main Authors: Dearnaley David P, Clarke Noel W, James Nicholas D, Parmar Mahesh KB, Sydes Matthew R, Mason Malcolm D, Morgan Rachel C, Sanders Karen, Royston Patrick
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2009-06-01
Series:Trials
Online Access:http://www.trialsjournal.com/content/10/1/39
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author Dearnaley David P
Clarke Noel W
James Nicholas D
Parmar Mahesh KB
Sydes Matthew R
Mason Malcolm D
Morgan Rachel C
Sanders Karen
Royston Patrick
author_facet Dearnaley David P
Clarke Noel W
James Nicholas D
Parmar Mahesh KB
Sydes Matthew R
Mason Malcolm D
Morgan Rachel C
Sanders Karen
Royston Patrick
author_sort Dearnaley David P
collection DOAJ
description <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The multi-arm multi-stage (MAMS) trial is a new paradigm for conducting randomised controlled trials that allows the simultaneous assessment of a number of research treatments against a single control arm. MAMS trials provide earlier answers and are potentially more cost-effective than a series of traditionally designed trials. Prostate cancer is the most common tumour in men and there is a need to improve outcomes for men with hormone-sensitive, advanced disease as quickly as possible. The MAMS design will potentially facilitate evaluation and testing of new therapies in this and other diseases.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>STAMPEDE is an open-label, 5-stage, 6-arm randomised controlled trial using MAMS methodology for men with prostate cancer. It is the first trial of this design to use multiple arms and stages synchronously.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The practical and statistical issues faced by STAMPEDE in implementing MAMS methodology are discussed and contrasted with those for traditional trials. These issues include the choice of intermediate and final outcome measures, sample size calculations and the impact of varying the assumptions, the process for moving between trial stages, stopping accrual to each trial arm and overall, and issues around perceived trial complexity.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>It is possible to use the MAMS design to initiate and undertake large scale cancer trials. The results from STAMPEDE will not be known for some years but the lessons learned from running a MAMS trial are shared in the hope that other researchers will use this exciting and efficient method to perform further randomised controlled trials.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>ISRCTN78818544, NCT00268476</p>
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spelling doaj.art-dbea9063d60c4cbdb738ac46c67246d22022-12-22T02:12:43ZengBMCTrials1745-62152009-06-011013910.1186/1745-6215-10-39Issues in applying multi-arm multi-stage methodology to a clinical trial in prostate cancer: the MRC STAMPEDE trialDearnaley David PClarke Noel WJames Nicholas DParmar Mahesh KBSydes Matthew RMason Malcolm DMorgan Rachel CSanders KarenRoyston Patrick<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The multi-arm multi-stage (MAMS) trial is a new paradigm for conducting randomised controlled trials that allows the simultaneous assessment of a number of research treatments against a single control arm. MAMS trials provide earlier answers and are potentially more cost-effective than a series of traditionally designed trials. Prostate cancer is the most common tumour in men and there is a need to improve outcomes for men with hormone-sensitive, advanced disease as quickly as possible. The MAMS design will potentially facilitate evaluation and testing of new therapies in this and other diseases.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>STAMPEDE is an open-label, 5-stage, 6-arm randomised controlled trial using MAMS methodology for men with prostate cancer. It is the first trial of this design to use multiple arms and stages synchronously.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The practical and statistical issues faced by STAMPEDE in implementing MAMS methodology are discussed and contrasted with those for traditional trials. These issues include the choice of intermediate and final outcome measures, sample size calculations and the impact of varying the assumptions, the process for moving between trial stages, stopping accrual to each trial arm and overall, and issues around perceived trial complexity.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>It is possible to use the MAMS design to initiate and undertake large scale cancer trials. The results from STAMPEDE will not be known for some years but the lessons learned from running a MAMS trial are shared in the hope that other researchers will use this exciting and efficient method to perform further randomised controlled trials.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>ISRCTN78818544, NCT00268476</p>http://www.trialsjournal.com/content/10/1/39
spellingShingle Dearnaley David P
Clarke Noel W
James Nicholas D
Parmar Mahesh KB
Sydes Matthew R
Mason Malcolm D
Morgan Rachel C
Sanders Karen
Royston Patrick
Issues in applying multi-arm multi-stage methodology to a clinical trial in prostate cancer: the MRC STAMPEDE trial
Trials
title Issues in applying multi-arm multi-stage methodology to a clinical trial in prostate cancer: the MRC STAMPEDE trial
title_full Issues in applying multi-arm multi-stage methodology to a clinical trial in prostate cancer: the MRC STAMPEDE trial
title_fullStr Issues in applying multi-arm multi-stage methodology to a clinical trial in prostate cancer: the MRC STAMPEDE trial
title_full_unstemmed Issues in applying multi-arm multi-stage methodology to a clinical trial in prostate cancer: the MRC STAMPEDE trial
title_short Issues in applying multi-arm multi-stage methodology to a clinical trial in prostate cancer: the MRC STAMPEDE trial
title_sort issues in applying multi arm multi stage methodology to a clinical trial in prostate cancer the mrc stampede trial
url http://www.trialsjournal.com/content/10/1/39
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