Quick questions regarding the DMC stopping DCVax-L for efficacy ...
From what I've researched, my understanding of the DMC role is to ensure a trial is safe, data quality is high, and to prevent tests from continue more than is necessary (whether due to ineffectiveness or already hit primary end point).
My question regards the DCVax-L current trials and how the crossover feature impacts it. As there is a crossover feature built into this trial, would the DMC ever stop it for efficacy? Any patient that did get worse during the trial in the placebo group will automatically cross over from one group to the other. If that is the case, then DMC shouldn't have a moral obligation to ensure an effective drug is shared with all trial participants. Thus, if it was effective, the DMC could just as easily say keep going.
Any opinions on this?