Modified Goldilocks Design with strict type I error control in confirmatory clinical trials

J Biopharm Stat. 2020 Sep 2;30(5):821-833. doi: 10.1080/10543406.2020.1744620. Epub 2020 Apr 16.

Abstract

Goldilocks Design (GD) utilizes predictive probability to adaptively select a trial's sample size based on accumulating data. In order to control type I error at a desired level for a subset of the null space, extensive simulations at the study design stage are required to choose critical values, which is a challenge for this type of Bayesian adaptive design to be used for confirmatory trials. In this article, we propose a Modified Goldilocks Design (MGD) where type I error is analytically controlled over the entire null space. We do so by applying the conditional invariance principle and a combination test approach on [Formula: see text]-values that are obtained from independent cohorts of subjects. Simulation studies show that despite analytic control of type I error rate, the proposed MGD has similar power when compared with the original GD. We further apply it to an example trial with time-to-event endpoint in oncology.

Keywords: Bayesian adaptive design; combination test approach; sample size selection.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Clinical Trials as Topic / statistics & numerical data*
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Computer Simulation
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Humans
  • Models, Statistical
  • Neoplasms / mortality
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / statistics & numerical data*
  • Research Design / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sample Size
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome