title: A simulated sequential analysis based on data from two MRC trials.
abstract: The motivation for proposing sequential methods for cancer clinical trials is presented, and the methodology examined by re-analysing two completed phase III cancer trials of the Lung Cancer Working Party of the British Medical Research Council. The reanalysis proceeds as if the trials had been designed with a planned series of interim analyses governing stopping. Specifically, the triangular and double-triangular tests were applied. The sequential reanalysis gave a substantial reduction in the number of patient required, and deaths observed, for conclusions to be reached in comparison with the completed studies. In each case, the sequential analysis was stratified for baseline prognostic factors which were seen to be important at the first interim analysis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Statistics, University of Reading, UK.
authors.forename: A N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Donaldson
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Whitehead
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Machin
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005047:Etoposide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016016:Proportional Hazards Models; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012107:Research Design; D016019:Survival Analysis; D015996:Survival Rate; D014750:Vincristine / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D014750:Vincristine; D005047:Etoposide; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D008727:Methotrexate