Implication of Murphy's Law in Clinical Trials

Case Report

Maxim Kosov, Veronika Kolesnik

Abstract

Assessment of performance status (PS) is an essential part of inclusion criteria in oncology clinical trials. It correlates with the major study outcomes. Among limitations of PS assessment is lack of well-defined criteria which may lead to difference in interpretation. We present 3 cases of misinterpretation of patients’ clinical condition that lead to different PS assessment. In 2 cases activity of patients was limited due to factors other than oncology disease, recent surgery and concomitant medical condition (obesity). Such situations as presence of concomitant factors that have a potential to limit patient’s ability to perform working or daily living activities, should be carefully considered while assessing PS.

Relevant Publications in Journal of Neoplasm