What is a Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB)?
A Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) is an independent group of experts that monitors patient safety and treatment efficacy data while a clinical trial is ongoing. This is particularly crucial in cancer research, where the stakes are high and treatments can be both innovative and potentially risky. The board typically includes clinicians, statisticians, and bioethicists who have no direct involvement in the study.