Clinical trials in small-cell lung cancer treatment: a cross-sectional analysis of trial discontinuation and non-publication.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Premature discontinuation and non-publication of clinical trials constitute a waste of limited public resources and create ethical dilemmas for trial participants, clinicians, and the public. This study investigated the rates of discontinuation and non-publication of clinical trials related to small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) treatment.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional review of ClinicalTrials.gov to screen clinical trials examining anticancer therapies for SCLC between 2006 and 2020. Discontinuation was determined by recruitment status and a comparison between expected and actual enrollment sizes. The publication status was determined through a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar.

Results

The study included 154 clinical t

SUBMITTER: Chen H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12657696 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature