Lifesaving Oncology Research Deserves Cutting-Edge Solutions

By Jennifer Duff, General Manager of Zelta Clinical Trials Solutions, Merative

The race to develop novel, advanced therapeutics for cancer patients is fast and highly competitive. As treatments have progressed, so have oncology clinical trial designs. Today’s oncology trials are more complex and customizable to the individual patient than in years past. It is essential that the systems that make oncology trials possible adapt to these studies’ changing needs. Relying on legacy thinking and technology creates inefficiencies and risks that can hinder success for sites, patients, and sponsors. Adaptable, fully integrated solutions are essential to managing oncology trial complexities.

Data Management Is Patient Care

When we think of patient-centricity in oncology studies, electronic data capture (EDC) and data management systems may not be the first aspects that come to mind. However, responsible study design is a complex puzzle, with every piece centered on patient care. Studies rely on technology to collect, manage, and aggregate patient data, and the quality of this data collection directly affects patient care.

When EDC and data management technologies began decades ago, studies were simpler and less subject to change than current oncology trials. The systems reflected old methodologies that don’t meet the needs of current studies. Today’s studies need flexibility and reactivity from the outset, which, surprisingly, begins with a simple unified design.