PERSPECTIVES OPINION
The future of trials in surgical oncology Peter Naredi and Michael P. La Quaglia Abstract | Patients with cancer generally have better outcomes when treated as part of a clinical trial compared with patients not enrolled in a clinical trial. Unfortunately, surgical participation in, and leadership of such studies, is limited. This lack of clinical investigation is adversely affecting progress in cancer surgery research and, ultimately, hinders the treatment of patients. Some of the reasons for poor surgical participation in clinical research include: limitations on funding provision; inadequate training of junior surgeons in clinical trials methodology; and inadequate support of surgical faculty members as clinical investigators. Despite these shortcomings, numerous successful surgical studies have helped to change concepts, and improve patient care in certain clinical areas. Finally, a number of possible solutions are proposed, which might improve surgical involvement in clinical trials and result in more, and better‑designed and executed clinical trials in this important area of research. Naredi, P. & La Quaglia, M. P. Nat. Rev. Clin. Oncol. advance online publication 14 April 2015; doi:10.1038/nrclinonc.2015.72
Introduction
Patients with cancer who are participating in clinical trials have improved outcomes compared to those who receive treatment without any clinical trial enrolment.1 Despite knowledge of this effect, an estimated
The future of trials in surgical oncology Peter Naredi and Michael P. La Quaglia Abstract | Patients with cancer generally have better outcomes when treated as part of a clinical trial compared with patients not enrolled in a clinical trial. Unfortunately, surgical participation in, and leadership of such studies, is limited. This lack of clinical investigation is adversely affecting progress in cancer surgery research and, ultimately, hinders the treatment of patients. Some of the reasons for poor surgical participation in clinical research include: limitations on funding provision; inadequate training of junior surgeons in clinical trials methodology; and inadequate support of surgical faculty members as clinical investigators. Despite these shortcomings, numerous successful surgical studies have helped to change concepts, and improve patient care in certain clinical areas. Finally, a number of possible solutions are proposed, which might improve surgical involvement in clinical trials and result in more, and better‑designed and executed clinical trials in this important area of research. Naredi, P. & La Quaglia, M. P. Nat. Rev. Clin. Oncol. advance online publication 14 April 2015; doi:10.1038/nrclinonc.2015.72
Introduction
Patients with cancer who are participating in clinical trials have improved outcomes compared to those who receive treatment without any clinical trial enrolment.1 Despite knowledge of this effect, an estimated
