Virtual oncology research-different models and lessons learned

Purpose of review The COVID-19 pandemic posed several challenges to cancer research including halting of trials, reduced recruitment and protocol violations related to inflexible processes followed in clinical trials. Researchers adopted innovative measures to mitigate these problems and continue studies without compromising their quality. This review collates these adaptations that could well continue after the pandemic. Recent findings The COVID-19 pandemic forced researchers globally to adopt innovative measures to overcome the challenges of the pandemic. These included protocol amendments to adjust to the pandemic and travel restrictions, and increased use of digital technologies. 'Virtual' clinical trials were conducted increasingly with adaptations in ethics and regulatory approvals, patient recruitment and consenting, study interventions and delivery of study medications, trial assessments, and monitoring. Many of these adaptations are safe and feasible, without compromising study quality and data integrity. Although these may not be universally applicable in all types of research, they bring many benefits including more diverse patient participation, less burden on patients for study procedures and reduced resources to conduct trials. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected cancer research adversely; however, learnings from the pandemic and adaptations from researchers are likely to improve the efficiency of clinical research beyond the pandemic.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to cancer research, but researchers have adapted by making protocol amendments, utilizing digital technologies, and conducting "virtual" clinical trials. These adaptations have proven to be safe and feasible, while also bringing benefits such as increased patient participation, reduced burden on patients, and reduced resources needed for trials. The lessons learned from the pandemic and the innovative measures taken by researchers are likely to improve the efficiency of clinical research even after the pandemic.