Secondary analysis involves the re-examination of existing clinical trial data to answer new research questions or validate previous findings. This process maximises the value of collected data, enabling researchers to gain additional insights without the need for new data collection.
The TROG Secondary Data Analysis Committee operates as a subcommittee of the TROG Scientific Committee, bringing together a multi-disciplinary team to oversee the development of guidelines and procedures for secondary data analysis. Its primary goal is to ensure that TROG members have access to information and expert guidance on the processes required for authorised access and use of TROG data. The Committee ensures that retrospective secondary analyses of TROG data are conducted effectively, ethically, and in a way that benefits both TROG and the broader clinical community. Additionally, the committee plays a key role in guiding the prospective design of new trials to optimise future secondary analyses.
To ensure transparency of available clinical trial data including efficient and secure access, a Data Readiness System has been implemented. This system categorises datasets based on their current state of preparation, providing researchers with transparency about the feasibility and timelines for their requests.
Datasets are categorised into the following readiness stages:
The dataset has been curated, cleaned, and is ready for immediate extraction with no additional processing required.
The dataset is in different stages of curation and accessibility. Additional activities such as retrieval, approvals, cleaning and/or formatting are required before it can be shared.
Some of the dataset is located at TROG but is not readily accessible. Data requires additional activities to retrieve/access via third parties.
The dataset is in not readily available and requires extensive retrieval activities via third parties, cleaning, merging, and/or validation to prepare it for sharing.
To visually communicate data readiness, TROG employs a traffic light system:
Data is fully prepared and ready for immediate use.
Some delays expected due to required processing.
Significant delays anticipated due to extensive data retrieval needs.
Significant delays anticipated due to third– party approvals and extensive data retrieval needs.
A link to the dataset summary can be found here: TROG Traffic Light System: Data Summary
Researchers interested in accessing TROG data for secondary analysis can do so by completing a request form. For more information, please refer to the new proposals section of the website.
Fee-for-service will be implemented from 1 April 2025. See the Secondary Data Analysis guidelines below for more details.
TROG provides a range of resources to support secondary analysis, including:
This policy statement covers the considerations necessary for facilitation, approval, access, review and publication of secondary analyses from TROG trials.
The purpose of these guidelines is to establish a structured, transparent, and ethical framework for accessing secondary data from TROG Cancer Research’s clinical trials. These guidelines outline the process for requesting data, the associated fee structure, governance and compliance requirements, and the roles of TROG and data requestors.
This guideline offers recommendations for optimising opportunities for secondary trial analyses, intended for trial investigators to consider during the design of their studies and related protocols.
For further inquiries, please contact TSC@trog.com.au
For over 30 years, Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group has been dedicated to improving the way radiation medicine is delivered to cancer patients with ongoing scientific research, clinical trials, and cutting-edge technology.
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