Table 1 Description of different types of research in pediatric oncology
Type of research | Description |
|---|---|
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) | The random allocation of different treatments to patient-subjects. The best available treatment is compared to one or more regimens that are expected to either improve overall survival or lessen toxicity with equivalence of outcome. Most 'front-line' pediatric cancer studies are phase III randomized controlled trials. |
Clinical Controlled Trial (CCT) | Evaluation of singe-arm treatment protocols by clinical and epidemiological data collection and systematic analysis of disease characteristics, actual treatment, treatment results and side-effects. Current treatment results are compared to historical results and to results obtained by other research groups. |
Laboratory research using tissue from patients | Unraveling the pathogenesis of childhood cancers, characterization of tumor biology, detection of new treatment targets and identification of novel prognostic factors. For this purpose left over blood, bone marrow or cerebrospinal fluid is used, or additional biological specimens are taken at defined moments during treatment. In fact, permission is often asked for storage of biological materials in a cell bank for future, as yet not specified research. |