An Introduction to ClinicalTrials.gov: Hands-On Exercises
This hands-on exercise will guide you through ClinicalTrials.gov search and results pages, PubMed search using the ClinicalTrials.gov secondary source ID [si], and check your knowledge on various sections covered in the Introduction to ClinicalTrials.gov instructional videos.
Click the Next button below.
ClinicalTrials.gov Search
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We will start on the ClinicalTrials.gov homepage.
Let’s investigate the studies that have looked at the effects of vitamin D in colon cancer patients.
In which search field would we put colon cancer?
Correct!
That is correct.
Incorrect!
A disease term should be entered in the "Condition/disease" field.
In which search field would we put vitamin D?
Incorrect!
Drugs and procedures should be entered in the "Intervention/treatment" field.
Correct!
This is correct.
ClinicalTrials.gov Search
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Let’s look at the topic of colon cancer. In the Condition/disease field, type or copy/paste in colon cancer.
In the Intervention/treatment field, type or copy/paste in vitamin D.
(Note: You can select the correct autocomplete terms when they come up.)
Press Search.
Above your search results there is a link, Synonyms of conditions or disease. This section lists any terms added by the system to enhance your search.
What are the synonyms for colon?
Answer: Colonic
What are the synonyms for cancer?
Answer: Neoplasms; Neoplasm; Tumor; Tumors; Neoplasia; Oncology; Malignant neoplasm; Cancers
ClinicalTrials.gov Results
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Scrolling down the results page, select the study "Effectiveness of High Dose Vitamin D Supplementation in Stage III Colorectal Cancer."
On the study record page, you first see the Study Details page.
What type of study is this?
Correct!
That is correct.
Incorrect!
Please try again. (Hint: Scroll down to "Study Type.")
Incorrect!
Please try again. (Hint: Scroll down to "Study Type.")
In what state did this study take place?
Incorrect!
Please try again. (Hint: Scroll down to "Contacts and Locations.")
Incorrect!
Please try again. (Hint: Scroll down to "Contacts and Locations.")
Correct!
That is correct. This study took place in three locations in Oregon.
Who voluntarily provides the publications listed under General Publications on the Study Details page?
Correct!
That is correct.
Incorrect!
Please try again. (Hint: Scroll down to "Publications.")
Incorrect!
Please try again. (Hint: Scroll down to "Publications.")
List three additional relevant MeSH Terms (Hint: Find Terms related to this study under More Information.)
Answer: Intestinal Neoplasms, Gastrointestinal Neoplasms, Digestive System Neoplasms, Neoplasms by Site, Neoplasms, Digestive System Diseases, Gastrointestinal Diseases, Colonic Diseases, Intestinal Diseases, Rectal Diseases, Colorectal Neoplasms, Vitamins, Micronutrients, Physiological Effects of Drugs, Bone Density Conservation Agents, Calcium-Regulating Hormones and Agents, Vitamin D, Cholecalciferol
ClinicalTrials.gov Results
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Click on the No Results Posted tab.
This study does not have study results posted. Remember, results may have been published in a scientific journal, and the data submitter may not have returned to ClinicalTrials.gov to post results.
This record lists some publications that may be about anything related to the study, including results.
The publications sections can include citations supplied by:
While this is true, there is a better answer.
Please try again.
While this is true, there is a better answer.
Please try again.
Incorrect!
Please try again.
Correct!
This is correct.
ClinicalTrials.gov Results
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Click on Record History tab.
This tab displays submitted updates by date. Version 1 is the original registration.
When were the Contacts/Locations updated in the study record?
Incorrect!
Please try again. (Hint: Scroll down to "Study Record Versions.")
Correct!
That is correct.
Incorrect!
Please try again. (Hint: Scroll down to "Study Record Versions.")
PubMed Search with ClinicalTrials.gov Secondary Source ID [si]
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Now we will search in PubMed to find ClinicalTrials.gov studies.
Navigate to PubMed.
Referencing the Additional Relevant MeSH Terms, we will now construct our PubMed search.
Type or copy/paste colorectal cancer vitamin D treatment AND clinicaltrials.gov[si] into the PubMed search box.
![colorectal cancer vitamin D treatment AND clinicaltrials.gov[si]](img/005.png)
Click Search.
PubMed Search with ClinicalTrials.gov Secondary Source ID [si]
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Scroll down and click on the result "Impact of Common Vitamin D-Binding Protein Isoforms on Supplemental Vitamin D3 and/or Calcium Effects on Colorectal Adenoma Recurrence Risk: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial."
Scroll down to the Trial registration field in the Abstract to find the ClinicalTrials.gov NCT number.
Click the hyperlinked NCT number (NCT00153816) to navigate to ClinicalTrials.gov.
What is the title of this ClinicalTrials.gov study?
Answer: Vitamin D/Calcium Polyp Prevention Study
PubMed Search with ClinicalTrials.gov Secondary Source ID [si]
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Click on the Results Posted tab.
Scroll down to the Study Record Dates section.
When were the results first posted (estimated)?
Incorrect!
Please try again. (Hint: Make sure you are looking at the "Results Reporting Dates.")
Correct!
That is correct.
Incorrect!
Please try again. (Hint: Make sure you are looking at the "Results Reporting Dates.")
Under Race (NIH/OMB), what percentage of participants are Unknown or Not Reported for the Full Factorial Placebo?
Incorrect!
Please try again. (Hint: You will need to uncollapse the table under "Race (NIH/OMB).")
Incorrect!
Please try again. (Hint: You will need to uncollapse the table under "Race (NIH/OMB).")
Correct!
That is correct.
List the Outcome Measures.
Answer: Colorectal Adenomas and Advanced Colorectal Lesions
Conclusion
Congratulations! This is the end of the hands-on exercises for An Introduction to ClinicalTrials.gov.
You can now close the NLM Navigator windows.