title: Phase III trials: specific problems associated with the use of a placebo control group.
abstract: The topic of placebos in clinical research has been recently addressed in general journals and is relevant to a clinical pharmacologists' readership as well. We try to give an overview of benefits as well as problems of this methodology. Although the use of placebo in drug development is frequently absolutely essential, important ethical and technical problems are generally involved. The placebo-controlled trial, although methodologically pure, may sometimes cause too much difficulties in the clinical setting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Merwede Hospital, Dordrecht, Netherlands.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Cleophas
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van der Meulen
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Kalmansohn
mesh_terms: D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D010919:Placebos; D012107:Research Design
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos