title: An easily accessible Web-based minimization random allocation system for clinical trials.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Minimization as an adaptive allocation technique has been recommended in the literature for use in randomized clinical trials. However, it remains uncommonly used due in part to a lack of easily accessible implementation tools.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To provide clinical trialists with a robust, flexible, and readily accessible tool for implementing covariate-adaptive biased-coin randomization.
  
  
  METHODS
  We developed a Web-based random allocation system, MinimRan, that applies Pocock-Simon (for trials with 2 or more arms) and 2-way (currently limited to 2-arm trials) minimization methods for trials using only categorical prognostic factors or the symmetric Kullback-Leibler divergence minimization method for trials (currently limited to 2-arm trials) using continuous prognostic factors with or without categorical factors, in covariate-adaptive biased-coin randomization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In this paper, we describe the system's essential statistical and computer programming features and provide as an example the randomization results generated by it in a recently completed trial. The system can be used in single- and double-blind trials as well as single-center and multicenter trials.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We expect the system to facilitate the translation of the 3 validated random allocation methods into broad, efficient clinical research practice.
authors.affiliation: Research Institute, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, CA, United States.
authors.forename: Lan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.forename: Qiwen
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Yank
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ma
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003628:Database Management Systems; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Kullback–Leibler divergence; Web-based; adaptive randomization; minimization; randomization; randomized controlled trials