Endpoint

The endpoint of a clinical trial is a pre-defined event: for instance, the occurrence of a disease, the occurrence of a symptom, or a particular laboratory result. Once someone reaches the endpoint, they are generally excluded from further research in the trial.

Endpoints can be hard (objective) or soft (subjective). In some cases they can be replaced by surrogate endpoints. The endpoints used in a trial must be defined and documented as part of the trial protocol.

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