A note regarding meta-analysis of sequential trials with stopping for efficacy.
- Competence Center for Methodology and Statistics
It is shown that fixed-effect meta-analyses of naive treatment estimates from sequentially run trials with the possibility of stopping for efficacy based on a single interim look are unbiassed (or at the very least consistent, depending on the point of view) provided that the trials are weighted by information provided. A simple proof of this is given. An argument is given suggesting that this also applies in the case of multiple looks. The implications for this are discussed.
2014 Nov. Pharm Stat.13(6):371-5. Epub 2014 Oct 9.