data safety monitoring boards (DSMBs)

A Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) is an independent group of experts that oversees clinical trials to ensure participant safety and data integrity. They regularly review study data to monitor for any risks or adverse effects, and they can recommend stopping the trial if safety concerns arise or if the treatment is proven effective. This independent oversight helps protect participants and ensures the trial's results are reliable, maintaining ethical standards and scientific validity throughout the study.