Basics of statistics – 4: Sample size calculation (ii): A narrative review

• Main Author: H S Darling
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2020-01-01
• Series: Cancer Research, Statistics, and Treatment
• Subjects: basics of statistics; correlation; person-time data; regression; sample size
• Online Access: http://www.crstonline.com/article.asp?issn=2590-3233;year=2020;volume=3;issue=4;spage=817;epage=828;aulast=Darling

Sample size calculation is one of the most crucial aspects of planning clinical trials. Through this series, we aim to delve into the basic concepts of sample size calculation and the various methodologies used for it. For the purpose of this review, a thorough study and selection of the available literature from various sources including PubMed and Medline was conducted. The search terms used were “sample size,” “calculation,” and “oncology,” and 1370 articles were screened. The relevant material has been presented in a simplified format along with appropriate examples mimicking real-world clinical situations. This review article provides a brief overview of the sample size calculation methods used when designing clinical studies. Extensive details about the methods have been avoided to keep the write-up short, crisp, and directed toward the focus. The intricacies of complex topics will be dealt with in the subsequent issues.