Science question?

173>an anti-cancer drug was given to 50 patients, while 50 more were given a placebo. all the patients were in the advanced stage of their desiease, and had life expectancies of 3 months, 25 of the patients with the placebo had died, and only 10 of the patients with the drug died. was this clinical trial a %26#039;sucess%26#039;. why or why not?











i dont really like this question, its kinda sad
Reply:In glancing at your question it looks to be a success. Was it a blind or double blind trial. If not a double blind the physician administering the drugs has the ability to have prejudice in selecting the patient. If double blind then it looks like the drug is on the right track. A more detailed trail, with a larger pool is required for better results.








In regards to the question, are you in school, and this was a question asked.
Reply:It appears at first blush that the trial was a success. But it is only one trial. Many more have to be performed before real success is declared. A double blind study is the most definitive.
Reply:Beware of taking one small study as an answer as random factors may play a greater role than any drug effect. Also no time was mentioned in the above information, whilst the drug may have an early effect on the death-rate it may re-establish itself later on. Like any research on terminal illness success is a relative term