What's Happening?
A core outcome set (COS) has been developed to standardize the reporting of locoregional treatments in neoadjuvant systemic breast cancer treatment trials. This initiative, known as the PRECEDENT project,
was conducted in collaboration with the Breast International Group and the North American National Cancer Institute National Clinical Trials Network. The project involved a three-phase process: generating a list of outcomes, prioritizing these outcomes through an international Delphi survey, and reaching a consensus on the final COS. The aim is to improve the consistency and quality of outcome reporting in future trials, with the involvement of key stakeholders including patients, surgeons, and oncologists.
Why It's Important?
The development of a standardized COS is crucial for enhancing the quality and comparability of clinical trial outcomes in breast cancer research. By ensuring that all trials report on a consistent set of outcomes, researchers can better assess the effectiveness of treatments and improve patient care. This initiative also aims to engage the international breast cancer research community, ensuring that the COS is widely applicable and adopted across different healthcare settings. The involvement of patient advocates ensures that the outcomes are meaningful and relevant to patients, potentially leading to improved treatment experiences and outcomes.
What's Next?
The next steps involve promoting the adoption and implementation of the COS in future neoadjuvant systemic treatment trials. This will require ongoing engagement with the international breast cancer research community, including funders, trialists, and regulators. The success of this initiative depends on the commitment of these stakeholders to incorporate the COS into their research practices, ultimately leading to more reliable and comprehensive data on breast cancer treatments.
