7  Two-sided and other design types

We have worked exclusively with 2-sided, asymmetric designs with non-binding futility bounds so far. Now we move on to symmetric 2-sided designs, asymmetric designs with binding futility bounds and 1-sided designs. We also provide more background on binding versus non-binding futility bounds.

7.1 Overview

In this chapter, we briefly talk about 2-sided designs, superiority-only designs, and asymmetric designs with binding futility bounds. These design types are selected from the “Boundaries” tab. For any of the designs discussed previously, try switching between 1) asymmetric, non-binding, asymmetric binding, 3) symmetric, and 4) superiority-only to see how sample eize and bounds change.

Perhaps the most common designs are the asymmetric designs with non-binding futility bounds we have discussed so far. These designs control Type I error even if a trial continues after a futility bound has been crossed, making them most acceptable as pivotal trials intended to be key for regulatory approval.

7.2 Two-sided symmetric designs

Two-sided symmetric designs are useful for comparisons where it is not clear which treatment might be better than the other. This may be the situation when two approved treatments are compared to each other. The bounds are symmetric about the null hypothesis (normally no treatment difference):

Other than selecting “Symmetric” on the “Boundaries” tab, this design is identical to that in Chapter 2. Only the upper spending function is specified for symmetric designs as the same spending function is used for the lower efficacy bound. You will see that you are not given the option to select a lower spending function when a 2-sided design is selected.

7.3 Superiority-only designs

Superiority-only designs are also referred to as one-sided designs or efficacy-only designs. These designs might be used when a new drug is understood well enough to have no need to stop for futility. This may also be appropriate for a trial that enrolls quickly where efficacy may only be shown late. That is, all patients may be enrolled before any interim analysis can be performed.

7.4 Binding futility bounds

For Phase 2 or other trials not intended for regulatory approval, an asymmetric design with a binding futility bound may be useful. Sample size requirements are smaller than non-binding designs and the bounds are tighter, making it easier to stop early. In these cases, the sponsor may be willing to make a strict assumption that the trial would stop early if a futility bound were crossed. Designing with binding futility bounds is specified under the “Boundaries” tab. Try switching between non-binding and binding designs to see how the sample size and bounds change. Generally, these designs are not considered acceptable for regulatory approval as Type I error increases above that specified if futility stopping rules are not obeyed, which may be an option a sponsor or data monitoring committee wants to consider as a trial is executed.