title: Efficient generation of constrained block allocation sequences.
abstract: Selection bias is a potential problem, especially in trials where blinding is not possible. Randomization with a constrained block of large size provides better protection from selection bias than using a sequence of blocks of small size with the same maximum imbalance. We propose an algorithm that efficiently generates constrained block allocation sequences, and we describe two clinical trials in which such a constrained randomization was used.
authors.affiliation: School of Business, North Carolina Central University, 1801 Fayetteville St., Durham, NC 27707, USA.
authors.forename: Ibrahim
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Salama
authors.forename: Anastasia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ivanova
authors.forename: Bahjat
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Qaqish
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015982:Bias; D001699:Biometry; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068818:Cetuximab; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D015233:Models, Statistical; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018579:Patient Selection; D011897:Random Allocation; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D016190:Carboplatin; D017239:Paclitaxel; D000068818:Cetuximab