Do non-inferiority trials of reduced intensity therapies show reduced effects? A descriptive analysis.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES:To identify non-inferiority trials within a cohort where the experimental therapy is the same as the active control comparator but at a reduced intensity and determine if these non-inferiority trials of reduced intensity therapies have less favourable results than other non-inferiority trials in the cohort. Such a finding would provide suggestive evidence of biocreep in these trials. DESIGN:This metaresearch study used a cohort of non-inferiority trials published in the five highest impact general medical journals during a 5-year period. Data relating to the characteristics and results of the trials were abstracted. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES:Proportions of trials with a declaration of superiority, non-inferiority and point estimates favouring the experimental therapy and mean abs

SUBMITTER: Aberegg SK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5855198 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature