The concept of virtual clinical trials: A game changer in radiation oncology research?

Virtual clinical trials use computer simulations (e.g. radiation physics and radiobiology) and/or real-world data (e.g. patient anatomy and tissue characteristics) to model radiation oncology treatments, addressing limitations of traditional clinical trials. They aim to enhance subsequent trial design, improve patient selection, and reduce risk of unsuccessful trials. AI promises to boost their precision, enabling faster, more efficient research that keeps pace with evolving technologies and better reflects real-world clinical practice. Note: Many different terms are used in the literature to describe computer-simulated research approaches, including virtual clinical trials, simulated trials, and in silico trials. In this paper, we have chosen to use the term virtual clinical trials for consistency and clarity.