Endpoints in oncology clinical trials.

In oncology clinical trials, many different endpoints can be used as primary or secondary endpoints. Advances in cancer treatment have provided longer survival outcomes, particularly in certain types of cancer. Overall survival is accepted as the gold standard endpoint for demonstrating clinical benefit; however, it is associated with some disadvantages such as requirement of long-term follow-up, requirement of higher number of patients, and high cost. Thus, the question "what is the most appropriate endpoint in clinical trials?" comes to mind. The present review discusses the endpoints in oncology clinical trials.