Episode 38, “Bayesian Statistics in Clinical Trials: The Past, Present, and Future”
Episode 38 of "In the Interim…" features guest host Cooper Berry interviewing fellow family members Dr. Donald Berry, Dr. Scott Berry, Dr. Lindsay Berry, and Dr. Nick Berry for an in-depth discussion on the trajectory of Bayesian statistics in clinical trials from three generations of Bayesian statisticians working in clinical trials.
From bandit problems in the 1970s to today's adaptive platform trials, this conversation traces how Bayesian methods evolved from mathematical theory to essential clinical trial methodology. Don reflects on 50+ years pioneering Bayesian approaches despite early resistance. Scott discusses how Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods changed everything in the 1990s. Lindsay and Nick explore where we're headed, from AI integration to decision theory.
A key insight from the conversation is that Bayesian thinking isn't just for statisticians. It's how humans naturally learn and update beliefs based on new evidence. The question isn't whether Bayesian methods will dominate clinical trials, it's when.