One of the main challenges is maintaining the delicate balance between patient safety and the potential benefits of a new treatment. Cancer treatments can sometimes have severe side effects, and the DSMB must carefully weigh these against the potential for improved patient outcomes. Another challenge is the timeliness of data review; prompt decision-making is crucial, but it must be based on sufficient and reliable data. Finally, ensuring independence and objectivity can be challenging, especially in industry-sponsored trials.
