Non-adjustment for multiple testing in multi-arm trials of distinct treatments: Rationale and justification

Richard A Parker; Christopher J Weir

doi:10.1177/1740774520941419

Non-adjustment for multiple testing in multi-arm trials of distinct treatments: Rationale and justification

Clin Trials. 2020 Oct;17(5):562-566. doi: 10.1177/1740774520941419. Epub 2020 Jul 15.

Authors

Richard A Parker¹, Christopher J Weir¹

Affiliation

¹ Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.

Abstract

There is currently a lack of consensus and uncertainty about whether one should adjust for multiple testing in multi-arm trials of distinct treatments. A detailed rationale is presented to justify non-adjustment in this situation. We argue that non-adjustment should be the default starting position in simple multi-arm trials of distinct treatments.

Keywords: Multiple testing; alpha adjustment; family-wise error rate; multi-arm clinical trial; multiplicity; type-I error.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Case-Control Studies
Clinical Trials as Topic / methods*
Consensus
Data Interpretation, Statistical
Humans
Research Design*
Risk Assessment
Treatment Outcome
Uncertainty