Improving infectious adverse event reporting for children and adolescents enrolled in clinical trials for acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2022 Nov;69(11):e29937. doi: 10.1002/pbc.29937. Epub 2022 Sep 9.

Abstract

Infections cause substantial morbidity for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Therefore, accurate characterization of infectious adverse events (AEs) reported on clinical trials is imperative to defining, comparing, and managing safety and toxicity. Here, we describe key processes implemented to improve reporting of infectious AEs on two active phase III Children's Oncology Group (COG) ALL trials. Processes include: (a) identifying infections as a targeted toxicity, (b) incorporation of infection-specific case report form questions, and (c) physician review of AEs with real-time data cleaning. Preliminary assessment of these processes suggests improved reporting, as well as opportunities for further improvement.

Keywords: acute lymphoblastic leukemia; adverse events; clinical trials; infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols* / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / drug therapy
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / etiology