Conducting a supportive oncology clinical trial during the COVID-19 pandemic: challenges and strategies

Abstract

Abstract The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in severe interruptions to clinical research worldwide. This global public health crisis required investigators and researchers to rapidly develop and implement new strategies and solutions to mitigate its negative impact on the progress of clinical trials. In this paper, we describe the challenges, strategies, and lessons learned regarding the continuation of a supportive oncology clinical trial during the pandemic. We hope to provide insight into the implementation of clinical trials during a public health emergency to be better prepared for future instances. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the US National Institute of Health (NCT 03030859). Registered on 22 January 2017.

Keywords

• Clinical trials
• COVID-19
• Pandemic
• Trial operation
• Telehealth
• Virtual visits