Phase 1 of the oncology trial design is one of the most critical parts of a Veristat clinical study. That’s why choosing the correct CRO is crucial to your overall trial success. Also, there are many CROs to choose from, so you’ll need to know how and why you need the right partner for the study’s first phase. Here are some of the essential factors you should consider when choosing a CRO for Phase 1:
The Size of the CRO
Your oncology clinical trial design will determine the size of the CRO you’ll work with. It is important to note that for phase 1, a prominent organization might not always be the answer. Smaller CROs will provide better services for phase 1 of the research. While large CROs may have a significant global footprint and excellent infrastructure to conduct extensive studies, some lack personal service, flexibility, and the senior management involvement that specialized CROs offer. Moreover, smaller CROs can bring together a high-level team with the right experience to fit your trials design’s specific requirements.
Specialization
When choosing a CRO for Phase 1, you must pick an organization that specializes in your area of study. That way, you’ll ensure laser focus on the trial’s early stages, thus increasing your chances of success. It is important to note that the dedication and passion to Phase 1 will make a big difference towards completing the trials within a reasonable time frame.
eSource Solutions
Most of the Phase 1 sites still collect data on paper. This leads to more funds being spent on data cleaning, clinical trial monitoring, and in some cases, there is insufficient quality data because this method is prone to human error. A CRO incorporating electronic data capture reduces human error and supports faster results. If your CRO does not offer the electronic solution, you can ask them to include it in your study. It is also important to note that a CRO becomes fluent in eSource in about 1 to 2 years.
CRO’s Experience
Experience is another crucial factor when assessing a CRO for phase 1. Go for an organization with a solid track record for providing exceptional services from the protocol design to the final study. An organization with experience will help reduce the timelines with quicker decision-making since they already have an idea of what to expect. This in turn helps save you money in the long run. Saving money and shortening your timelines are the most crucial factors for a fast-paced phase 1 trial.
Customer Service
A good CRO will provide you with adaptable and flexible clinical trial approaches to help you deal with any challenges. This is because most clinical trials’ regulatory requirements evolve, and your data submissions deadline may grow shorter. So, you will need a partner who is committed to your deliverables to increase the chances of success.
Above all, go for a CRO who pays significant attention to your needs. Also, proven capabilities and experiences should be top on your list when selecting your CRO partner during phase 1 of your clinical trial.