clinical trial matching
The process of systematically identifying and connecting cancer patients with appropriate research studies based on their disease characteristics, treatment history, and eligibility criteria.
Full Definition
Clinical trial matching is a systematic process that leverages patient clinical data, tumor characteristics, and treatment history to identify relevant research studies for which a cancer patient may be eligible. This process involves comparing patient information against study inclusion and exclusion criteria, considering factors such as cancer type, stage, biomarker status, prior treatments, and performance status. Modern clinical trial matching systems use algorithms and decision support tools to automate parts of this process, integrating with electronic health records and trial databases to provide real-time recommendations to healthcare providers. Effective trial matching is essential for advancing cancer research and ensuring patients have access to innovative treatments while maintaining appropriate safety standards.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate as 'clinical trial matching' when used as a compound modifier.
In Context
- "The clinical trial matching algorithm identified three potential immunotherapy studies for the melanoma patient." — Clinical decision support documentation
- "Implementation of automated clinical trial matching increased patient enrollment by 25% at the cancer center." — Healthcare technology assessment