Methods of random treatment allocation in clinical trials

Abstract

Increasing number of Polish doctors participate in clinical trials, therefore a basic knowledge on their methodology is essential. An important element of planning a research project is the choice of an appropriate randomization method allowing optimal assignment of patients to the study arms.
This article reviews techniques providing random treatment allocation and keeping similarity of known prognostic factors in the treatment groups. Addressed are also the advantages of maintaining central system of patient randomization and registration. Furthermore, main assumptions of the TENALEA project are presented. The aim of this project is to create a universal randomization service available for academic institutions performing clinical trials.