More may not be better: reconsidering early clinical trial design in the era of targeted cancer therapeutics

The advent of a new generation of targeted cancer drugs requires a radically different design of early clinical trials. Here, Rene Bernards discusses why new clinical trial designs are needed and what is being done to achieve this. Such innovative trials can lead to similar outcomes for cancer patients with fewer side effects while at the same time reducing the cost of cancer care.

Automated summary

The emergence of new targeted cancer drugs necessitates a complete overhaul in the design of early clinical trials. Rene Bernards explores the need for novel clinical trial designs and the ongoing efforts to achieve this. These innovative trials have the potential to provide similar outcomes for cancer patients with reduced side effects and a decreased cost of cancer care.