Translating Preclinical Studies into the Clinic: Assays and Endpoints Selected to Determine Efficacy

A fundamental goal of cancer research is to translate preclinical findings into advances in clinical disease management. In preclinical investigations of anticancer therapeutics, the choices of the model, assay, and endpoint selected are critical in this process. If the model or assay is poorly chosen or the data inappropriately analyzed, preclinical findings can lead to inadequate conclusions that can negatively affect the ability to translate findings from the laboratory to the clinic. The present review discusses the pros and cons of preclinical models, assays, and endpoints commonly used in cancer therapeutic assessment evaluations.