Changing the first screening parameters for patients and their derivatives in Phase II–III clinical studies

Abstract

Actuality. The search for parameters of clinical trials (CT) associated with the recruitment of patients is primarily associated with the search for parameters that can predict the recruitment — predictors of patient recruitment, since patient recruitment is an important and one of the most complex processes in clinical trials, the success of which depends on the entire study. The authors propose to use the parameters of the recruitment of patients assumed by the center, the number of exclusion criteria according to the protocol, and other simple methods that allow predicting the upcoming recruitment; however, the proposed approaches are unclaimed. The parameter of success in enrolling patients in the previous 10 or more studies proposed by the authors obviously has its drawbacks because clinical centers that did not participate in 10 successful studies are automatically excluded. However, the search for a simple parameter to predict upcoming recruitment continues; for example, the time of the first screening has its own predictor potential. We investigated changes in this parameter and its derivatives during the recruitment of patients to selected international multicenter clinical trials (IMCTs). Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of 4 IMCTs of II–III phases was performed on the recruitment of patients and changes in the time parameters of the first screening and its derivatives. Aim. Consider changes in the time parameter of the first screening and its derivatives during patient recruitment. Statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics with typing. Results. The change in the time parameter of the first screening during the recruitment of patients for CT was considered. The time of the first screening varies depending on the type of clinical center and the experience of the principal investigator. Discussion. According to the literature, a change in the time parameter of the first screening may indicate the success of the recruitment of patients in the center. Conclusion. The changes in the time of the screening set studied by us will allow us to apply the obtained values in clinical trials.