About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

In Phase III Trials Greater Representation of Elderly Patients are Needed

by Bidita Debnath on February 23, 2013 at 3:54 PM
Font : A-A+

 In Phase III Trials Greater Representation of Elderly Patients are Needed

Over the recent years the median age of patients diagnosed with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has steadily increased and is presently 70 years.

Despite this, the elderly are significantly underrepresented in clinical trials. A recent study published in the March 2013 issue of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer's (IASLC) Journal of Thoracic Oncology, investigated the degree to which exclusion or underrepresentation of elderly occurs in practice-changing clinical trials in advanced NSCLC. Researchers conclude that greater representation of elderly patients in phase III trials is required to better define evidence-based paradigms in the increasingly elderly NSCLC population.

Advertisement

Researchers did an extensive literature search, included articles for review if they were phase III, involved systemic therapy alone, studied advanced NSCLC and were conducted between 1980 and 2010. A total of 248 studies were identified and their full text reviewed by the authors.

Among the 100 most cited trials, 33 percent excluded elderly patients in their trial design. The average reported median patient age in those trials was 60.9 years.
Advertisement

The authors "have clearly demonstrated that a significant proportion of highly cited phase III clinical trials in advanced NSCLC overtly exclude elderly patients." They recommend that a greater emphasis be placed on recruiting clinical trial patients with age demographics that better represent the median age of the advanced NSCLC population.

Source: Eurekalert
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest Research News

Remarkable Journey of Transforming Lives With Brain Pacemaker
Successful brain pacemaker implantation has helped a 51year old Parkinson's disease patient to revitalize her quality of life.
What Are the Effects of Healthy Lifestyle on Osteoarthritis?
Recent recommendations on lifestyle behaviors to prevent progression of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases revealed.
Unraveling the Mystery of Psoriasis Severity
The study offers insights into how psoriasis can trigger diabetes, heart disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.
 Microparticle Therapy Offers a Glimmer of Cure for Multiple Sclerosis
Utilizing microparticles for therapy could mark a significant milestone in the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases.
 Cranial Epilepsy Surgery Offers Hope for Children With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
A study revealed that children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) had the highest survival rate beyond 10 years when they underwent cranial epilepsy surgery.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

In Phase III Trials Greater Representation of Elderly Patients are Needed Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests