Ethical considerations concerning treatment allocation in drug development trials

S. Senn*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

It is claimed that much of the opposition to placebos is based on the misunderstanding that their use implies the withholding of effective treatments. It is also argued that the ethical feasibility of a trial must be judged by comparing the likely prognosis of patients in the trial to their expectations outside the trial. Furthermore, a longer-term perspective of the patients needs is necessary; the ethical dilemmas involved cannot be resolved at the point of sickness. Some device such as the 'original position' of the philosopher John Rawls is needed. Finally, it is argued that placebo run-ins involve a violation of consent and should be eliminated from clinical trials.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)403-411
Number of pages9
JournalStatistical Methods in Medical Research
Volume11
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2002
Externally publishedYes

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