Treatment of adult ALL patients with third-generation CD19-directed CAR T cells: results of a pivotal trial.

BACKGROUND: Third-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells (CARTs) might improve clinical outcome of patients with B cell malignancies. This is the first report on a third-generation CART dose-escalating, phase-1/2 investigator-initiated trial treating adult patients with refractory and/or relapsed (r/r) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). METHODS: Thirteen patients were treated with escalating doses of CD19-directed CARTs between 1 × 106 and 50 × 106 CARTs/m2. Leukapheresis, manufacturing and administration of CARTs were performed in-house. RESULTS: For all patients, CART manufacturing was feasible. None of the patients developed any grade of Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) or a higher-grade (≥ grade III) catokine release syndrome (CRS). CART expansion and long-term CART persistence were evident in the peripheral blood (PB) of evaluable patients. At end of study on day 90 after CARTs, ten patients were evaluable for response: Eight patients (80%) achieved a complete remission (CR), including five patients (50%) with minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative CR. Response and outcome were associated with the administered CART dose. At 1-year follow-up, median overall survival was not reached and progression-free survival (PFS) was 38%. Median PFS was reached on day 120. Lack of CD39-expression on memory-like T cells was more frequent in CART products of responders when compared to CART products of non-responders. After CART administration, higher CD8 + and γδ-T cell frequencies, a physiological pattern of immune cells and lower monocyte counts in the PB were associated with response. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, third-generation CARTs were associated with promising clinical efficacy and remarkably low procedure-specific toxicity, thereby opening new therapeutic perspectives for patients with r/r ALL. Trial registration This trial was registered at www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov as NCT03676504.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Nivolumab in Malignant Non-Pleural Mesothelioma: A Multicenter, Open-Label, Single-Arm, Japanese Phase II Trial (Viola) Protocol.

BACKGROUND: There is no authorized treatment for malignant non-pleural mesothelioma (MNPM) worldwide. In contrast to malignant pleural mesothelioma, MNPM has not been investigated, and no treatment has been established due to its rarity. OBJECTIVES: This multicenter, open-label, single-arm, Japanese phase II trial aims at evaluating the efficacy and safety of nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, in advanced or metastatic MNPM treatment. METHODS: This phase II trial commenced in October 2020. Twenty-three patients with advanced or metastatic MNPM who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled from five institutions within 2 years. Regardless of prior therapy, 240 mg of nivolumab will be administered intravenously to MNPM patients every 2 weeks to investigate its efficacy and safety until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities are detected, or the patient's condition meets the withdrawal criteria. RESULTS: The primary endpoint is the objective response rate by central assessment following the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. The secondary endpoints include disease control rate, overall survival, progression-free survival, adverse events, and treatment-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first prospective investigator-initiated trial to evaluate the effect of nivolumab monotherapy for MNPM.

[First experiences with the implementation of EU Regulation 536/2014 (CTR) from the perspective of non-commercial academic research]. / Erste Erfahrungen bei der Umsetzung der EU-Verordnung 536/2014 (CTR) aus Sicht der nichtkommerziellen akademischen Forschung.

With the implementation of the new EU Regulation 536/2014 (Clinical Trials Regulation - CTR) on 31 January 2022, the approval and conduct of clinical trials with medicinal products for human use are to be harmonized within the European Union (EU). Approval is granted via the electronic Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) portal of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). In addition to commercial sponsors, sponsors at academic institutions are also affected by the implementation of the CTR in the context of investigator-initiated clinical trials (IITs). Numerous changes in the process map for regulated drug trials are necessary.New aspects concern the general user structure and the role and permission concept of CTIS. Requirements that previously applied only to investigational medicinal products/placebo now also apply to auxiliary medicinal products. Investigational and auxiliary medicinal products not yet approved in the EU must be registered in the XEVMPD drug database. Other significant changes include the reporting of "serious breaches," the publication of relevant study documents, the introduction of a "summary in layman's terms," the archiving period of 25 years, the implementation of "low intervention clinical trials," and the possibility of co-sponsorship.First experience with the application process shows that the new system needs to be further improved. This concerns, for example, the EU-wide harmonization of requirements and the elimination of technical deficiencies. In the medium and long term, however, simplifications with regard to regulatory processes should be noticeable. What is needed here are intensified agreements with national higher authorities and ethics committees, effective knowledge management, and improved communication.

Management practice of Investigator-Initiated Trials in the new period / 中华医学科研管理杂志

Objective:In the context of China′s increasing standardized management requirements of clinical research, this article aims to explore the management methods of investigator-initiated trials in the new period, to provide possible reference for other medical institutions dedicated to clinical research.Methods:According to the requirements set forth by the＂Administrative Measures for Investigator-Initiated Trials in Medical and Health Institutions (Trial)", combined with the hospital management practice, experiences regarding the research management system construction and implementation, management system construction and its implementation effects are summarized and analyzed.Results:By exploring and summarizing the connotation of high-quality clinical research under the New Policy, tailored clinical research management system in our hospital was developed and implemented. And the hospital′s clinical research capability and level have been greatly improved, which enhancing the hospital academic influence, as well as its competence for serving the development of national and regional clinical research.Conclusions:Along with the rapid progress of clinical research, hospitals need to assure the compliance of national laws and regulations, and develop appropriate and applicable institutional management measures to empower the conduct of high quality clinical research.

Thinking and practice of risk-based monitoring strategies in Investigator initiated Trials / 中华医学科研管理杂志

Objective:To discuss the scientificity and feasibility of risk-based monitoring strategies in Investigator initiated Trials.Methods:" Guideline for Good Clinical Practice" promulgated by NMPA, " Oversight of Clinical Investigations-a Risk-based Approach to Monitoring" and " A Risk-Based Approach to Monitoring of Clinical Investigations Questions and Answers Guidance for Industry DRAFT GUIDANCE" promulgated by the US FDA and other documents were analyzed, the practical experience of Investigator initiated Trials was also summarized.Results:It was recommended that clinical investigators use risk-based monitoring strategies in Investigator initiated Trials. The main idea of risk-based monitoring is to determine the key process and key data of the study, carry out risk rating on the project, and adopt corresponding monitoring methods according to the risk level when formulating the monitoring plan. At the same time, during the clinical trial development process, the risk and data quality of the research center should be regularly evaluated to grasp the risk changes of different centers. In accordance with trends, adjust the method, content and frequency of monitoring.Conclusions:To apply risk-based monitoring strategies in Investigator initiated Trials is scientificity and feasibility. Risk based monitoring can meet the data quality requirements of clinical trials, without affecting the analysis results of the main outcomes, and can further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of monitoring.

Analysis on key points of ethics review of horizontal scientific research projects: Based on the ethics review management system of horizontal scientific research projects in a tertiary hospital / 中华医学科研管理杂志

Objective:This paper aims to promote the standardization of ethics review of horizontal scientific research projects and improve the ethics review quality by analyzing the current ethics review practice in a certain tertiary hospital, identifying common problems during the review process, illustrating relevant causes and proposing corresponding solutions.Methods:Through introducing the current situation of ethics review of horizontal scientific research projects in a tertiary level hospital, the differences between the main points of ethics review of horizontal scientific research projects and government-funded scientific research projects were analyzed, so as to sort out the common problems and possible causes in the process of ethics review of horizontal scientific research projects, and then explore the possible corresponding solutions.Results:Based on the characteristics of horizontal research projects, ethics review should focus on their scientific and social values, potential conflicts of interest, protection of subjects′ rights and interests, and whole-process management and quality assurance. At present, there are still many problems, such as a large number of projects, but not many projects with high research value, inadequate project process management, and ineffective implementation of ethics review opinions.Conclusions:The hospital should further improve the management system of horizontal scientific research project approval, bring in more comprehensive review regarding to both scientific and ethics review, engage more experts at the outset of project funding decision-making, set up ethics specialists, strengthen the process management of horizontal scientific research projects, strengthen ethical publicity and education, and improve the ethical awareness of researchers to fully protect the rights and interests of subjects and promote the high-quality development of clinical research.

Challenges and countermeasures of Investigator-Initiated Trial of oncology / 中华医学科研管理杂志

Objective:In order to put forward relevant measures and suggestions to improve the quality of the Investigator-Initiated Trials of oncology in medical institutions.Methods:Through literature research, comparative study, combined with the implementation and management of investigator initiated trials, the current status and challenges of the administration of these trials were analyzed.Results:Investigator-Initiated Trials of oncology become increasingly important. However, its quality is poor compared with Industry-Sponsored Trials due to insufficient funds and lack of effective supervision. Besides, four main challenges as follows were identified: lack of clinical research professionals, the quality concerns of ethical review in some institutions, insufficient funding for clinical research, and imperfect quality management system.Conclusions:Based on the actual needs of IITs of oncology, medical institutions should strengthen the talent cultivation, establish electronic information management platform, increase project support, strengthen scientific research supervision and deepen the awareness of risk prevention to improve the quality of investigator initiated trials.

Risk-proportionate approach to paediatric clinical trials: The legal requirements, challenges, and the way forward under the European Union Clinical Trials Regulation.

BACKGROUND: It is now widely accepted that there is a need for safety and efficacy data on medicines used in children. In the European Union, legislation has provided the necessary framework obligating and incentivizing pharmaceutical companies to carry out appropriate paediatric research to support the development of new medicines. This change in research culture, that medicines used in children should be appropriately researched in children, has also led to the recognition of the importance of investigator-initiated clinical trials in furthering medical knowledge on the off-label use of authorized medicines for which paediatric data are often limited. However, medicines regulatory authorities of European Union countries have largely adopted a uniform approach to the regulation of both industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated trials and, in doing so, have added disproportionate burden to the conduct of paediatric clinical trials investigating authorized medicines. CASE STUDIES: Two European multinational paediatric clinical trials funded by the conect4children consortium are presented to provide a comparative insight into past challenges and to illustrate how the new framework provided by the European Clinical Trials Regulation (No. 536/2014) addresses these barriers in practice. CONCLUSION: The European Clinical Trials Regulation gives a strong impetus to a risk-proportionate approach and offers a path for more efficient delivery of investigator-initiated paediatric clinical trials.

Phase II Trial of Combination Nab-paclitaxel and Gemcitabine in Non-squamous Non-small Cell Lung Cancer After Progression on Platinum and Pemetrexed.

BACKGROUND: Better therapies are needed to improve survival in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Given the synergy of combination nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine in metastatic pancreatic cancer and their individual activity in advanced NSCLC, we sought to determine whether the same combination would confer a therapeutic benefit in the second-line therapy of recurrent or metastatic non-squamous (NSQ) NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-arm phase II trial of nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine was performed from June 2015 to April 2020 at an academic referral cancer center. Patients with advanced NSQ-NSCLC whose disease progressed on first-line pemetrexed plus platinum +/- immunotherapy were enrolled. Patients received intravenous nab-paclitaxel 100 mg/m2 and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Safety and tolerability were evaluated by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (15 men [41%] and 22 women [59%]; median age, 66 years [range, 41-81 years]) were accrued. ORR was 13.5% (95% CI, 2.5-24.5%). DCR was 59.5% (95% CI, 43.5-75.5%). Median PFS was 2.6 months (95% CI, 1.4-3.8 months). Median OS was 6.2 months (95% CI, 4.2-8.2 months). 1-year OS was 24% (95% CI, 10-38%). Safety and tolerability were similar to other second-line chemotherapies, although there was an 11% incidence of grade 2-3 pneumonitis. CONCLUSION: Combination nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine after platinum and pemetrexed for NSQ-NSCLC was not associated with greater efficacy than would be expected for single-agent chemotherapy in this setting. The higher-than-expected risk of pneumonitis was also concerning. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02303977 MICRO-ABSTRACT: In this phase II trial, 37 patients with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer were treated with nab-paclitaxel/gemcitabine in second-line. ORR = 13.5% (95% CI, 2.5%-24.5%). Median PFS = 2.6 months (95% CI, 1.4-3.8 months). Median OS = 6.2 months (95% CI, 4.2-8.2 months). Nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine was not associated with greater efficacy than would be expected for single-agent chemotherapy in this setting.

An audit of safety reporting in randomized controlled trials over a five-year period in a high impact factor journal.

Background: Randomized controlled trials [RCTs] form the corner-stone of evidence-based medicine. RCTs published in high impact factor journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine [NEJM] are a key driver of clinical practice and policy decisions. RCTs are expected to report both efficacy and safety, however, safety reporting in many studies tends to be poor. The present audit was undertaken with the primary objective of evaluating safety reporting during a five-year period in all RCTs published in the NEJM. Methods: PubMed alone was searched for RCTs published in NEJM from 2013-17. Each RCT was searched for the following outcome measures -whether the trial was sponsored by pharmaceutical industry or investigator initiated, phase of trial, nature of intervention and therapeutic area in terms of reporting of safety outcomes [with 'P values' or '95% confidence interval']. Results: A total of n=623 articles reported safety outcomes of which 275/623 (44.1%) articles reported statistics for safety outcome. There was significant difference in reporting of safety statistics between investigator initiated studies and pharmaceutical industry sponsored studies, [cOR=4.0, 95% CI 2.8- 5.5 P < 0.001]; phase 3 and phase 4 trials, [cOR 0.67, 95% CI 0.5 - 0.9, P = 0.02]; trials involving drugs and surgery, [ cOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.2-3.5, P = 0.01] and in therapeutic areas, cardiovascular and oncology [cOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.1-0.4, P < 0.0001]. Conclusions: Safety reporting in RCTs continues to take a back seat relative to efficacy reporting and is worse for pharmaceutical industry funded studies. Safety reporting should be emphasized in the CONSORT guidelines.

Discussion on management strategies of multi-center pharmaceutical clinical study initiated by investigator / 中华医学科研管理杂志

Objective:Discuss the problems of multi-center pharmaceutical clinical trial which initiated by investigator (IIT), providing references for developing study management strategies.Methods:By analyzing the site recruitment, academic and ethical review, study contract, study training, quality control, influencing factors of subject enrollment, proposed management strategies of multi-center pharmaceutical clinical study which initiated by investigator.Results:While conducting multi-center pharmaceutical clinical study initiated by investigator, the study experiences, study team, hospital equipment, and the internal process of hospitals are the factors which ensure the progress and quality of clinical study. Most of the sites have no clear statement of scientific review, but most of the high-level hospitals do not use the ethical review results of the head hospitals, the ethics must be reviewed repeatedly; Contract also has different requirements due to different management departments. During the preparation and implement of IIT, the investigators should undergo a rigorous training which is a key element to ensure the quality of the study. Research quality and progress restrict each other and are affected by many factors, detailed quality control measures should be developed, training and inspection, and the cooperation of project management and data management, also with discover the data problems of sites and communicate with investigators timely to ensure the improvement measures are implemented.Conclusions:There are many factors have impact on study progress and quality of multi-center pharmaceutical clinical trial of IIT. Before conducting research, protocols should be developed scientifically, and fully assessing its feasibility, screening study sites strictly, shorten the time of ethical review and contract preparation. Study training, inspection, data management, risk management and document management should be implement strictly, and make full use of information platforms and means, improve management efficiency and IIT progress and quality.

Discussion on critical issues in the construction of management and supporting system of Investigator-Initiated Trials in pediatrics / 中华医学科研管理杂志

Objective:To explore the critical issues in the construction of management and supporting system of Investigator-Initiated trials (IIT) in pediatrics.Methods:Through summarizing related literature and considering the current status of pediatric clinical research, the critical issues in the construction of management and support system, for instance, the responsibility, training model, and performance evaluation in Europe and U. S. were evaluated, decision-making suggestions were put forward based on domestic pediatric IIT management system.Results:Besides IIT, clinical trials on children′s drugs are also supported by the pediatric clinical research management system in Europe and U. S.. The supporting service covers research consultation, ethical review, research design, trial implementation, patient education, risk control, and investigator training. The organizational structure and management system are relatively mature. Clinical trials are the majority of clinical research in children′s hospitals in China. Main issues identified in the construction of the management and supporting system include ethical review for pediatric clinical research, professional investigator training, multicenter cooperation scheme, performance assessment, and incentive strategies.Conclusions:Taking account into the current status of pediatric IIT in China, it is urgent to accelerate the training of pediatric investigators, set up standard IIT project management team, build the professional project management platform and Electronic Data Capture System, and promote the transformation of research outcomes. Finally, the whole process management of pediatric IIT will be developed to facilitate the development of pediatric medicine.

Retos y desafíos de la investigación clínica independiente / Challenges of independent clinical research

Las compañías farmacéuticas financian la mayoría de los estudios clínicos sobre medicamentos. Sin embargo, existen cuestiones clínicas que podrían no ser prioritarias desde el punto de vista comercial, pero que sin duda deberían ser abordadas, dada su transcendencia para los pacientes y la sociedad en general. La investigación clínica independiente representa aquí un pilar fundamental y su elemento básico son los estudios iniciados por el investigador (también conocidos por su nombre en inglés, investigator-initiated studies/trials). En estos estudios, es el investigador el que concibe la idea, desarrolla el proyecto y además actúa como promotor. La mayoría de los investigadores están familiarizados con la participación como colaboradores en los estudios promovidos por las compañías farmacéuticas; en dichos estudios, la compañía se encarga de todos los aspectos científicos, legales y, además, económicos, quedando la responsabilidad del investigador limitada fundamentalmente a la inclusión de pacientes y el cumplimiento del protocolo. Por el contrario, la puesta en marcha y el desarrollo de un estudio de investigación independiente requiere considerables recursos —de conocimientos, económicos y de tiempo— y una cuidadosa planificación por parte del investigador. En el presente manuscrito revisaremos cuáles son las principales características de los estudios iniciados por el investigador y sus diferencias fundamentales con los promovidos por la industria farmacéutica. Nos plantearemos también cuáles son sus fortalezas y sus limitaciones. Por último, propondremos algunas soluciones a los principales desafíos que plantean. Nuestro objetivo final es estimular a los potenciales investigadores a acometer el reto de llevar a cabo un proyecto de investigación clínica independiente.(AU)

Pharmaceutical companies fund most clinical trials on drugs. However, there are clinical issues that might not be a priority from a commercial point of view, but that should certainly be addressed, given their importance for patients and society in general. Independent clinical research represents a fundamental pillar here and its basic element is investigator-initiated studies/trials. In these studies, it is the researcher who conceives the idea, develops the project and also acts as the sponsor. Most researchers are familiar with participating as collaborators in studies sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. In these studies, the company is in charge of all the scientific, legal and financial aspects, leaving the responsibility of the researcher mainly limited to the inclusion of patients and compliance with the protocol. On the contrary, the start-up and development of an independent research study requires considerable resources – of knowledge, money and time – and careful planning on the part of the researcher. In this manuscript, we will review the main characteristics of the studies initiated by the researcher and their fundamental differences with those sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry. We will also outline what its strengths and limitations are. Finally, we will propose some solutions to the main challenges they pose. Our ultimate goal is to stimulate potential researchers to undertake the challenge of conducting an independent clinical research project.(AU)

Multicenter phase III trial of regenerative treatment for chronic tympanic membrane perforation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of regenerative treatment for tympanic membrane perforation (TMP) using gelatin sponge, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and fibrin glue. METHODS: This was a multicenter, non-randomized, single-arm study conducted at tertiary referral centers. Twenty patients with chronic TMP (age 23-78 years, 6 males, 14 females) were registered from three institutions. All treated patients were included in the safety analysis population. The edges of the TMP were disrupted mechanically by myringotomy and several pieces of gelatin sponge immersed in bFGF were placed and fixed with fibrin glue to cover the perforation. The TMP was examined 4 ± 1 weeks later. The protocol was repeated up to four times until closure was complete. The main outcome measures were closure or a decrease in size of the TMP, hearing improvement, and air-bone gap evaluated 16 weeks after the final regenerative procedure (FRP). Adverse events (AEs) were monitored throughout the study. RESULTS: Total closure of the TMP at 16 weeks was achieved in 15 out of 20 patients (75.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 50.9%-91.3%) and the mean decrease in size was 92.2% (95%CI: 82.9%-100.0%). The ratio of hearing improvement and the air-bone gap at 16 weeks after FRP were 100% (20/20; 95%CI: 83.2%-100%) and 5.3 ± 4.2 dB (p <0.0001), respectively. Thirteen out of 20 patients (65.0%) experienced at least one AE, but no serious AEs occurred. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the current regenerative treatment for TMP using gelatin sponge, bFGF, and fibrin glue is safe and effective.

Challenges of independent clinical research. / Retos y desafíos de la investigación clínica independiente.

Pharmaceutical companies fund most clinical trials on drugs. However, there are clinical issues that might not be a priority from a commercial point of view, but that should certainly be addressed, given their importance for patients and society in general. Independent clinical research represents a fundamental pillar here and its basic element is investigator-initiated studies/trials. In these studies, it is the researcher who conceives the idea, develops the project and also acts as the sponsor. Most researchers are familiar with participating as collaborators in studies sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. In these studies, the company is in charge of all the scientific, legal and financial aspects, leaving the responsibility of the researcher mainly limited to the inclusion of patients and compliance with the protocol. On the contrary, the start-up and development of an independent research study requires considerable resources - of knowledge, money and time - and careful planning on the part of the researcher. In this manuscript, we will review the main characteristics of the studies initiated by the researcher and their fundamental differences with those sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry. We will also outline what its strengths and limitations are. Finally, we will propose some solutions to the main challenges they pose. Our ultimate goal is to stimulate potential researchers to undertake the challenge of conducting an independent clinical research project.

Discussion on the construction standards of clinical research center initiated by researchers: A case study of clinical research institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine / 中华医学科研管理杂志

Objective:Investigator Initiated Trials (IIT) play a key role in promoting comprehensively the development and homogeneity of clinical diagnosis and treatment, thus, this article aims to explore a set of recommendations for the construction and management of clinical research institutes that support IIT.Methods:Through the combination of literature review and institutional construction practice cases, based on the experience of domestic and foreign universities and well-functioning medical institutions in building clinical research centers, as well as summarizing the construction cases of the clinical research institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, to discuss the construction and management plan of such centers.Results:Propose recommendations for the construction and management standards of clinical research centers that support IIT, covering the principles of center construction, basic settings, organizational structure, functional departments, basic platforms, staffing, document management and institutional evaluation.Conclusions:We hope this study can provide reference to universities and medical institutions for the construction of the clinical research institute.

Risk assessment of investigator initiated trials at the proposal stage / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective:To assess possible risk factors and their respective levels in the whole process of investigator initiated trial(IIT)projects proposed in the proposal stage, for reference in formulation of risk management plans.Methods:Through literature analysis and research group discussions, the risk factors of IIT projects and risk level assessment criteria were preliminarily identified, and a consultation questionnaire was developed as a result. Delphi method was used to further optimize the risk factors and determine their risk levels. Data obtained from the consulfation were analysied by descriptive.Results:The recovery rates of two rounds of expert consultation were both 100%, and the degree of expert authority was 0.942. The survey finalized 38 risk factors, including extremely high risk, high risk, medium risk, low risk and very low risk factors of 17(44.7%), 15(39.5%), 3(7.9%), 2(5.3%) and 1(2.6%) respectively.Conclusions:This study determined a risk evaluation system of IIT projects in the proposal stage. This system can identify risks of IIT projects at an early stage, facilitating early intervention of problems existing in such projects, and minimize risks to the rights and safety of patients.

Improving the efficiency of clinical trials by standardizing processes for Investigator Initiated Trials.

Early phase clinical trials are the first step in testing new medications and therapeutics developed by clinical and biomedical investigators. These trials aim to find a safe dose of a newly targeted drug (phase I) or find out more about the side effects and early signals of treatment efficacy (phase II). In a research institute, many biomedical investigators in oncology are encouraged to initiate such trials early in their careers as part of developing their research portfolio. These investigator-initiated trials (IITs) are funded internally by the University of Kansas Cancer Center or partially funded by pharmaceutical companies. As financial, administrative, and practical considerations play an essential role in the successful completion of IITs, it is imperative to efficiently allocate resources to plan, design, and execute these studies within the allotted time. This manuscript describes monitoring tools and processes to improve the efficiency, cost-effectivness, and reliability of IITs. The contributions of this team to processes such as: participant recruitment, feasibility analysis, clinical trial design, accrual monitoring, data management, interim analysis support, and final analysis and reporting are described in detail. This manuscript elucidates how, through the aid of technology and dedicated personnel support, the efficiency of IIT-related processes can be improved. Early results of these initiatives look promising, and the Biostatistics and Informatics team intends to continue fostering innovative methodologies to enhance cancer research by improving the efficiency of IITs.

Rationale and design of the BRAVERY study (EPOC1701): a multicentre phase II study of eribulin in patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer.

Background: BRAF V600E mutations are associated with aggressive biology and limited response to standard chemotherapy, especially during second-line and beyond therapies. BRAF V600E mutant and wild-type colorectal cancers (CRCs) differ in their expression profiles, and preclinical evidence suggests that microtubule inhibitors have an antitumour effect on xenograft models of BRAF V600E mutant CRCs. Eribulin has the best growth inhibitory activity in vitro of the microtubule inhibitors. Also, we have evidenced a hint of activity for patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic CRC (mCRC) with tumour shrinkage following eribulin treatment. Trial design: The BRAVERY study is a multicentre phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of eribulin in patients with BRAF V600E mutant mCRC detected in either tumour tissues (primary analysis part) or circulating tumour DNA assays (liquid biopsy part). Key eligibility criteria are refractoriness and intolerance to at least one regimen (including irinotecan or oxaliplatin) containing fluoropyrimidine and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1. Eribulin is to be administered intravenously at a dose of 1.4 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 and repeated every 21 days. The primary endpoint is the confirmed objective response rate (ORR) by investigator's assessment. We calculated the sample size of the primary analysis part at 27 patients using a two-stage design with 25% ORR deemed promising and 5% unacceptable (one-sided α, 0.05; ß, 0.1). Secondary endpoints include disease control rate, progression-free survival, overall survival and adverse events. Moreover, we will collect pretreated tissue and serial blood samples for biomarker analyses, focusing on gene expression associated with BRAF mutant-like CRC to find predictive markers and acquired gene alterations to detect resistance mechanisms to eribulin. We initiated patient enrolment in March 2018, completed the primary analysis on May 2019, and are currently continuing with the liquid biopsy part. Trial registration number: UMIN000031221 and 000031552.