The major purpose of this research is to formulate the best way that sequential designs can be implemented in clinical trials when the major endpoint of interest is length of survival. We propose to develop a computer algorithm which will find the sequential design which minimizes either total accrual or time to termination of a study, while still preserving the overall level of significance and power to detect a clinically significant difference. We also propose to develop methodology for deriving the exact sequential distribution of nonparametric test statistics, computed after groups of observations. This will be used for deriving exact group sequential tests with studies that have moderate sample size. Finally, we will investigate the bias of fixed sample inference following a group sequential test and indicate how to adjust the inference to minimize the bias.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01CA036446-04
Application #
3174014
Study Section
(SSS)
Project Start
1983-08-01
Project End
1989-12-31
Budget Start
1987-01-01
Budget End
1987-12-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
149617367
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115