%0 Journal Article
%@ 14388871
%I JMIR Publications Inc.
%V 15
%N 7
%P e139
%T An Easily Accessible Web-Based Minimization Random Allocation System for Clinical Trials
%A Xiao,Lan
%A Huang,Qiwen
%A Yank,Veronica
%A Ma,Jun
%+ Research Institute, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Ames Building, 795 EL Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, United States, 1 650 853 4809, maj@pamfri.org
%K randomized controlled trials
%K randomization
%K minimization
%K adaptive randomization
%K Kullback–Leibler divergence
%K Web-based
%D 2013
%7 19.07.2013
%9 Original Paper
%J J Med Internet Res
%G English
%X Background: Minimization as an adaptive allocation technique has been recommended in the literature for use in randomized clinical trials. However, it remains uncommonly used due in part to a lack of easily accessible implementation tools. Objective: To provide clinical trialists with a robust, flexible, and readily accessible tool for implementing covariate-adaptive biased-coin randomization. Methods: We developed a Web-based random allocation system, MinimRan, that applies Pocock–Simon (for trials with 2 or more arms) and 2-way (currently limited to 2-arm trials) minimization methods for trials using only categorical prognostic factors or the symmetric Kullback–Leibler divergence minimization method for trials (currently limited to 2-arm trials) using continuous prognostic factors with or without categorical factors, in covariate-adaptive biased-coin randomization. Results: In this paper, we describe the system’s essential statistical and computer programming features and provide as an example the randomization results generated by it in a recently completed trial. The system can be used in single- and double-blind trials as well as single-center and multicenter trials. Conclusions: We expect the system to facilitate the translation of the 3 validated random allocation methods into broad, efficient clinical research practice. 
%M 23872035
%R 10.2196/jmir.2392
%U http://www.jmir.org/2013/7/e139/
%U https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.2392
%U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23872035