Phase I trials are a critical first step in the study of novel therapeutic approaches. They follow years of development in the laboratory, and precede Phase II and III trials where testing of the drug becomes more focused yet is conducted on a wider scale.

The primary goals of Phase I trials are to identify the recommended dose, schedule and pharmacologic behaviour of new agents or new combinations of agents, and to describe the adverse effects of treatment. In cancer therapeutics, such studies have particular challenges. In general, because of the nature of the effects of treatment, most studies are conducted in patients with advanced malignancy, rather than in healthy volunteers. Furthermore, the endpoints of these trials are usually measures of adverse effects, but increasingly investigators are interested in assessment of the effects of new drugs on their molecular target. These factors render the design, conduct, analysis and ethical aspects of Phase I cancer clinical trials unique.

This book provides a practical guide to Phase I cancer trials and is appropriate for oncology trainees or specialists interested in understanding cancer drug development. Topics covered include preclinical requirements needed for first-in-man investigation of new agents, principles and statistical design, ethical considerations of Phase I studies, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and studies in special populations. Practical information on protocol development, study activation and conduct, as well as how to write reports of the results, are incorporated. Numerous appendices offer document templates to use in Phase I study development, and examples from actual Phase I trials are interspersed throughout, making this a true 'hands-on' guide.

In an exciting time in cancer research, as the number and type of new potential anti-cancer drugs is increasing dramatically, this book provides much needed information on the first stage in getting a drug approved.

Elizabeth A. Eisenhauer's profile page

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Marc Buyse's profile page

Elizabeth Eisenhauer was appointed to the Board of Directors of the National Cancer Institute of Canada in 2002, and will become President in June 2006. Through her work with the IND program and NCIC CTG, she has co-ordinated over 170 Phase I, II and III trials carried out across Canada, the US and Europe. Marc Buyse founded the International Drug Development Institute (IDDI) in 1991. In addition to his current posts, he has previously been President of the International Society for Clinical Biostatistics and a Board Member of the Society for Clinical Trials. He has an editorial role in the following journals: Biometrical Journal, Clinical Trials, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and Statistical Methods in Medical Research.