Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

A Modular Framework For Early-Phase Seamless Oncology Trials, Philip S. Boonstra, Thomas M. Braun, Elizabeth C. Chase

The University of Michigan Department of Biostatistics Working Paper Series

Background: As our understanding of the etiology and mechanisms of cancer becomes more sophisticated and the number of therapeutic options increases, phase I oncology trials today have multiple primary objectives. Many such designs are now 'seamless', meaning that the trial estimates both the maximum tolerated dose and the efficacy at this dose level. Sponsors often proceed with further study only with this additional efficacy evidence. However, with this increasing complexity in trial design, it becomes challenging to articulate fundamental operating characteristics of these trials, such as (i) what is the probability that the design will identify an acceptable, i.e. safe …