title: The ATAC (Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination) adjuvant breast cancer trial in postmenopausal patients: factors influencing the success of patient recruitment.
abstract: The ATAC ('Arimidex', Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination) trial is a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy trial, evaluating anastrozole alone or in combination with tamoxifen compared with tamoxifen alone, as a 5-year adjuvant treatment for postmenopausal patients with early breast cancer. The rapid rate of recruitment into this trial was a major achievement, as frequently encountered differences between projected and actual recruitment rates can threaten the successful completion of clinical trials. A questionnaire designed in order to highlight possible factors influencing the success of patient recruitment was completed by 62% of the ATAC trialists. This included 11 statements rated for their level of importance on a three-point scale. The top three motives for recruiting patients were: (1) the attractive scientific rationale of the trial (84%); (2) a design that was easy to explain to patients (79%); and (3) a pragmatic trial design in line with standard practice (76%). A new questionnaire will solicit opinion from the participating patients.
authors.affiliation: The Portland Hospital, First Floor, 212-214 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5QN, UK. m.baum@ctc.ucl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Mike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baum
mesh_terms: D000077384:Anastrozole; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009570:Nitriles / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018579:Patient Selection; D017698:Postmenopause; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014230:Triazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D009570:Nitriles; D014230:Triazoles; D013629:Tamoxifen; D000077384:Anastrozole