Episode 21, “The Legend of I-SPY 2 - Part B”
In Episode 21 of Berry’s “In the Interim…” Podcast, titled The Legend of I-SPY 2 - Part B, Dr. Donald Berry and Dr. Scott Berry explore the “time machine” approach at the heart of I-SPY 2.
Faced with dropping the standard control arm mid-trial a method was devised to maintain rigorous comparisons using non-concurrent controls. This solution leverages Bayesian modeling of era effects in the trial, enabling direct comparison of treatment arms enrolled at different times. The method became foundational for platform trial designs in breast cancer and shaped models now used in glioblastoma, pancreatic cancer, and ALS.
Contributions by Laura Esserman, Anna Barker, and Janet Woodcock, along with technical execution by Meredith Buxton (trial logistics), and code innovation by Ashish Sanil were critical to sustained platform operation.
Notable episode insights:
● The “time machine” enables credible analysis using non-concurrent controls
● Bayesian probabilities optimize randomization and predictive probabilities optimize graduation of therapies
● Four investigational drugs from I-SPY 2 have achieved regulatory approval
● Influence extends to complex platform trials across multiple disease areas
Listen to the full episode today: https://www.berryconsultants.com/resource/21-the-legend-of-i-spy-2-part-b