Fast Facts: Clinical Trials in Oncology


Book Description

Written by leading experts, 'Fast Facts: Clinical Trials in Oncology' will enhance the reader’s ability to critically evaluate published evidence. Assuming little or no prior knowledge, the book sets out clearly the fundamental features of clinical trials. The key attributes of Phase I–III trials of pharmaceutical products are described, as are trials of surgical procedures, radiation therapy and advanced therapies. The processes and documentation required to set up and conduct a trial are outlined, and the authors describe how trial data and real-world evidence are used to improve care. Although this concise colorful book focuses on oncology, the principles apply equally to interventions in other areas of practice. It will prove invaluable to medical, pharmaceutical and allied health professionals who want, or need, an overview of how contemporary clinical trials are designed and conducted. Contents: • Fundamental features of clinical trials • Phase I trials • Phase II trials • Phase III trials • Trials of non-drug interventions • Setting up and conducting trials • Publishing trial results, changing clinical practice, and supporting evidence




Fast Facts: Medical Statistics


Book Description

Using real examples from oncology trials, but keeping it simple, this concise resource explains the basic principles of medical statistics so that you can better appraise clinical trial results. Key concepts covered in this book include: • hypothesis testing • Kaplan–Meier curves and other graphic representations of data • calculating the power of a study • the stopping rules for efficacy and futility. ' Fast Facts: Medical Statistics' is aimed at all clinicians, clinical scientists, medical writers and regulatory personnel who need a better understanding of the statistical terms and methods used in the planning of studies and the analysis of clinical trial data. If you have ever wanted to know what a type I error is, how an odds ratio is calculated or what a forest plot is really all about, then this is the book for you. Contents: • Statistical inference • Analysis of time-to-event endpoints • Power and sample size • Multiplicity • Interim analysis • Modeling • Graphical methods




Fast Facts: Clinical Trials in Oncology


Book Description

Written by leading experts, 'Fast Facts: Clinical Trials in Oncology' will enhance the reader’s ability to critically evaluate published evidence. Assuming little or no prior knowledge, the book sets out clearly the fundamental features of clinical trials. The key attributes of Phase I–III trials of pharmaceutical products are described, as are trials of surgical procedures, radiation therapy and advanced therapies. The processes and documentation required to set up and conduct a trial are outlined, and the authors describe how trial data and real-world evidence are used to improve care. Although this concise colorful book focuses on oncology, the principles apply equally to interventions in other areas of practice. It will prove invaluable to medical, pharmaceutical and allied health professionals who want, or need, an overview of how contemporary clinical trials are designed and conducted.




Clinical Trials in Oncology, Third Edition


Book Description

The third edition of the bestselling Clinical Trials in Oncology provides a concise, nontechnical, and thoroughly up-to-date review of methods and issues related to cancer clinical trials. The authors emphasize the importance of proper study design, analysis, and data management and identify the pitfalls inherent in these processes. In addition, the book has been restructured to have separate chapters and expanded discussions on general clinical trials issues, and issues specific to Phases I, II, and III. New sections cover innovations in Phase I designs, randomized Phase II designs, and overcoming the challenges of array data. Although this book focuses on cancer trials, the same issues and concepts are important in any clinical setting. As always, the authors use clear, lucid prose and a multitude of real-world examples to convey the principles of successful trials without the need for a strong statistics or mathematics background. Armed with Clinical Trials in Oncology, Third Edition, clinicians and statisticians can avoid the many hazards that can jeopardize the success of a trial.




Breast Cancer


Book Description







Fast Facts: Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma


Book Description

The peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a heterogenous group of rare entities. Whilst cytogenetic and molecular identifiers are being identified, accurate diagnosis remains challenging, requiring careful, expert integration of the clinical and pathological findings. The treatment of PTCL is also challenging. Protocols for the different subtypes are only just beginning to emerge, hindered by the complexities of conducting trials in such uncommon and varied conditions. While first-line treatment with conventional chemotherapy is seldom curative, patients who achieve remission may be eligible for stem cell transplantation, offering the possibility of long-term disease control if not cure. Targeted biologics are also being developed as unique cytotoxic markers are identified. 'Fast Facts: Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas' is a new title in the Fast Facts extensive hemato-oncology library, written by experts in this emerging field. This handbook will be useful to anyone involved in the care of patients with PTCL, including haematologists, oncologists, specialist nurses and primary care providers, raising awareness of these rare lymphomas and the current – and emerging – approaches to diagnosis and treatment.




Fast Facts: Ovarian Cancer


Book Description

When it comes to detecting, diagnosing and treating women who have, or are suspected of having, ovarian cancer, there are significant opportunities for well-informed healthcare professionals to intervene in a meaningful way. 'Fast Facts: Ovarian Cancer' examines the areas that will have the biggest effect in clinical practice, including: • the evidence for and against screening • the valuable role of genetic testing in identifying at-risk women • if and when to operate • strategies to overcome platinum resistance • the impact of targeted therapies. From the tools that will help establish a swift diagnosis to the risks and benefits of palliative salvage surgery, this refreshingly readable resource captures the key knowledge that every busy healthcare professional needs in order to make better health decisions for patients with ovarian cancer. Contents: • Epidemiology and prevention • Pathophysiology and classification • Genetic testing • Diagnosis, staging and grading • Surgery • Chemotherapy • Recurrent ovarian cancer • Targeted therapies • Non-epithelial ovarian cancers • Follow-up and palliative surgery • Useful resources




Fast Facts: Immuno-Oncology


Book Description

The treatment of cancer has been revolutionized by therapies that modulate the immune system, with benefits for quality of life and survival. Standards of care have changed to reflect developments, but the area is moving fast. Keeping abreast of new therapies and trial data can be challenging. This second edition of 'Fast Facts: Immuno-Oncology' takes you from the fundamentals of immunology through to the new concepts of immunoediting and immunotherapy and likely future directions. Whether you have worked in oncology for decades and need a refresher or you are just starting out and need a crash course, this book provides all you need to know about immuno-oncology, concisely summarized. Table of Contents: • Components of the immune system • How cancers evade the immune system • How cancer immunotherapy works • Clinical use of immune checkpoint inhibitors • The future of immuno-oncology




Fast Facts: Biosimilars in Hematology and Oncology


Book Description

Biologics have revolutionized – and are revolutionizing – the treatment of many serious disorders. The evidence acquired from more than 10 years of clinical experience, with more than 50 biosimilar drugs and more than 700 million patient-days' exposure in Europe, shows that approved biosimilars can be used as safely and effectively as originator biologics. Yet concerns persist about biosimilars – particularly in curative cancer treatment, where they are relatively recent therapeutic options. 'Fast Facts: Biosimilars in Hematology and Oncology' provides a concise overview of emerging global practice in this fast-moving area together with practical information on adding biosimilars to a formulary and switching patients. Contents: • Biologics and the need for biosimilars • Why do we need biosimilars? • How is the quality of biosimilar medicines assured? • Legal issues • Switching, interchangeability and extrapolation • Safety and pharmacovigilant • Global issues • Formulary considerations: pharmacy issues • Formulary considerations: supportive care biosimilars • Formulary considerations: therapeutic anti-cancer biosimilars • Communication and awareness