Epidemiological and statistical considerations for interpreting and communicating oncology clinical trials

Jane Heller

doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.02.014

Epidemiological and statistical considerations for interpreting and communicating oncology clinical trials

Vet J. 2015 Aug;205(2):233-7. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.02.014. Epub 2015 Feb 24.

Author

Jane Heller¹

Affiliation

¹ School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga 2650 Australia. Electronic address: jheller@csu.edu.au.

PMID: 25840862
DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.02.014

Abstract

The use of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in veterinary oncological research and practice is increasing as is the number of relevant scientific publications. While clear guidelines exist for the reporting of RCTs, a thorough understanding of statistical and epidemiological concepts is required in order to accurately interpret and then impart the results of such trials, and to make balanced decisions regarding the uptake of published findings. This review presents the most important epidemiological and statistical considerations that are needed in order to interpret and communicate with confidence the results of oncology clinical trials.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Oncology; Randomised controlled trial; Risk; Statistics; Veterinary.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
Biometry*
Neoplasms / therapy
Neoplasms / veterinary*
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / methods
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / statistics & numerical data
Research Design*

Substances

Antineoplastic Agents