Suspension of Oncology Randomized Clinical Trials during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of COVID-Related Suspensions

Cancer Invest. 2022 Oct;40(9):743-749. doi: 10.1080/07357907.2022.2104305. Epub 2022 Aug 23.

Abstract

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov-registered oncology randomized controlled trials between September 2019 and December 2021 to identify predictors of trial suspensions. The dataset included 1,183 oncology trials, of which 384 (32.5%) were suspended. COVID-19 accounted for 47 (12.2%) suspensions. Trials that were single center- or US-based had higher odds of COVID-19 (ORs: 3.85 and 2.48, 95% CIs: 1.60-11.50 and 1.28-4.93, respectively) or any-reason suspensions (ORs: 2.33 and 2.04, 95% CIs: 1.46-3.45 and 1.40-2.76, respectively). Phase two (OR 1.27), three (OR 6.45) and four trials (OR 11.5) had increased odds of COVID-19 suspensions, compared to phase one trials.

Keywords: Coronavirus; oncology; pandemic; randomized controlled trial; suspensions.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Electrolytes
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Pandemics
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Suspensions

Substances

  • Electrolytes
  • Suspensions