Group-Sequential Strategies in Clinical Trials with Multiple Co-Primary Outcomes

Stat Biopharm Res. 2015;7(1):36-54. doi: 10.1080/19466315.2014.1003090.

Abstract

We discuss the decision-making frameworks for clinical trials with multiple co-primary endpoints in a group-sequential setting. The decision-making frameworks can account for flexibilities such as a varying number of analyses, equally or unequally spaced increments of information and fixed or adaptive Type I error allocation among endpoints. The frameworks can provide efficiency, i.e., potentially fewer trial participants, than the fixed sample size designs. We investigate the operating characteristics of the decision-making frameworks and provide guidance on constructing efficient group-sequential strategies in clinical trials with multiple co-primary endpoints.

Keywords: Adaptive Type I error allocation; Average sample number; Hierarchical testing procedure; Maximum sample size; equally or unequally spaced increments of information.