Evaluation of protocol mandated testing in E4A03, a randomized phase III study of CC-5013 plus dexamethasone versus CC-5013 plus low-dose dexamethasone in multiple myeloma (MM).

Abstract

e19517 Background: Investigators cite complicated test (T) schedules as barriers to the conduct of clinical trials, especially T that do not contribute to outcome or pt safety. In MM protocols, some T are prone to being done inaccurately (e.g. UPEP, 24 hour urine collections), or are not useful (e.g. uric acid, AST/ALT) in determination of response (R) or safety. These T lead to increased cost, protocol violations, and do not enhance outcome. Methods: We analyzed data submitted for pts on E4A03 to examine frequency of missing data for R T: serum and urine (U) PEP, immunofixation (IFE) bone surveys (BS), and safety labs for C1-4. Results: Table outlines % pts with completed T. Most had T for serum M protein, as well as heme T but serum and U PEP, and IFE dropped off by C4. Other T e.g. uric acid were completed in 77%. Only 79% of pts had a BS repeated at C4. Incorrect or missing U data led to categorization of 16/445 (3.6%) pts as ineligible and was most frequent reason for ineligibility (69%). Missing U data led to 13/26 pts not evaluable. Analysis of SAE during the C1-4 revealed no SAE for hyperuricemia and < 5 SAE for AST/ALT. Only 5% of pts had lab-based SAE filed in 4 C. Conclusions: Required U T and BS to assess R in E4A03 were missing or completed inadequately and caused pts to be ineligible and or not evaluable. Such T need to be eliminated or replaced. Strategies to monitor data submission in real time may reduce subject loss due to T error. The requirement for routine T should be reassessed to create simpler trial design. Clinical trial information: NCT00098475. [Table: see text]