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Generalized method for adaptive randomization in clinical trials
Author(s) -
Russell D.,
Hoare Z. S. J.,
Whitaker Rh.,
Whitaker C. J.,
Russell I. T.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
statistics in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.996
H-Index - 183
eISSN - 1097-0258
pISSN - 0277-6715
DOI - 10.1002/sim.4175
Subject(s) - computer science , predictability , flexibility (engineering) , randomization , mathematical optimization , context (archaeology) , coding (social sciences) , set (abstract data type) , algorithm , clinical trial , statistics , mathematics , medicine , paleontology , pathology , biology , programming language
A flexible, generalized method of treatment allocation is proposed. The method uses a set of controlling parameters that enables the generic algorithm to produce a family of possible outcomes ranging from simple randomization to deterministic allocation. The method controls balance at stratum level, stratification level and overall without detriment to the predictability of the method. The paper lists the desirable characteristics of allocation methods and shows that the proposed method fulfils the majority and is easy to use in the clinical context, once the coding has been established. An explanation of the method for 2, 3 and 4 treatment group allocations is given. Simulations demonstrate the flexibility of the method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.