Who benefits? Uncovering hidden heterogeneity of treatment effects in adaptive trials using Bayesian methods: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adaptive clinical trials increasingly aim to detect heterogeneity of treatment effect (HTE) to guide personalized care. However, most adaptive designs rely on predefined subgroups and are limited in their ability to uncover unknown or complex sources of HTE. Bayesian statistical methods offer a flexible alternative, enabling real-time learning and adaptation within trials. This review evaluates Bayesian methods used to detect hidden HTE in adaptive clinical trials, with attention to their methodological innovations, operating characteristics, and consideration of equity and inclusion in trial design.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and other databases to identify original studies that developed Bayesian methods for detecting unknown HT

SUBMITTER: Giblon R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12751210 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature