How to Cite a Clinical Trial in Vancouver Format

Understanding Clinical Trial Citations in Vancouver Format

Clinical trials are formal research studies conducted to evaluate medical interventions. Proper citation of clinical trials helps readers access the trial data, understand the research methodology, and verify results. Vancouver format for clinical trials includes trial identifiers, investigator information, and registry details.

Vancouver Format for Clinical Trial Registration

Trial Identifier: Trial name [Internet]. Sponsor Name. Available from: Registry URL. Trial Registration Number: XXXXX.

Example:

A Phase 3 Study of Immunotherapy in Advanced Cancer [Internet]. Memorial Sloan Kettering. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04567890. Trial Registration Number: NCT04567890.

Format for Published Clinical Trial Results

Authors. Title of trial results. Journal Name. Year;volume(issue):pages. Trial ID: XXXXX.

Example:

Smith JK, Johnson ML, Williams RC. Efficacy and safety of novel immunotherapy in advanced melanoma: a randomized controlled trial. *Lancet Oncology*. 2023;24(3):234-245. Trial ID: NCT04567890.

Key Citation Elements

Trial Identification

Include the trial ID or registration number (e.g., NCT number, ISRCTN, JPRN).

Trial Title

Use the official trial title as it appears in the registry.

Sponsor or Principal Investigator

Include the organization or person leading the trial.

Registry Information

Specify which registry the trial is registered in.

Registry URL

Include the link to the trial registry entry.

Detailed Examples

Trial Registration Entry

Efficacy and Safety of Novel Immunotherapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer [Internet]. University Hospital Medical Center. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04345123. Trial Registration Number: NCT04345123.

Published Trial Results

Garcia MS, Lee JH, Thompson KA, Anderson BJ. Long-term outcomes of targeted therapy in EGFR-mutant lung cancer: 5-year follow-up results. *New England Journal of Medicine*. 2023;388(15):1345-1356. Trial ID: NCT03456789.

Observational Study in Clinical Trial Registry

Epidemiological Study of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Diabetes [Internet]. National Heart Institute. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04123456. Trial Registration Number: NCT04123456.

In-Text Citations for Clinical Trials

Use the trial registration number and year:

(NCT04567890)

For published results with authors:

(Smith et al., 2023)

Special Cases in Clinical Trial Citation

International Clinical Trial

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Preventive Chemotherapy in Tuberculosis [Internet]. World Health Organization. Available from: https://www.who.int/ictrp. ISRCTN Number: ISRCTN12345678.

Terminated Trial

Phase 2 Study of Experimental Drug in Multiple Myeloma [Internet]. BioTech Pharmaceuticals. Status: Terminated. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03789456. Trial Registration Number: NCT03789456.

Trial Protocol Published Separately

Smith JK, Johnson ML. Protocol for a randomized trial of novel immunotherapy in advanced cancer. *BMJ Open*. 2022;12:e061234. Trial ID: NCT04567890.

Using GenText for Clinical Trial Citation Management

Managing clinical trial citations requires tracking trial identifiers, registry information, and published results. GenText helps by:

• Formatting clinical trial citations in proper Vancouver style
• Tracking trial registration numbers and identifiers
• Organizing trials by condition, phase, or status
• Managing links to trial registries
• Converting between citation styles
• Generating reference lists for clinical research
• Maintaining updated trial information

Common Mistakes with Clinical Trial Citations

1. Incorrect trial number format: Verify the exact trial registration number.
2. Missing registry information: Always specify which registry the trial uses.
3. Omitting trial status: Indicate if trial is ongoing, completed, or terminated.
4. Incomplete author information: Include all published authors if citing results.
5. Wrong registry URL: Verify registry links are accurate.

Checklist for Clinical Trial Citations

• Trial registration number is correct
• Trial title is accurate
• Registry is specified
• Sponsor or investigator name is correct
• Registry URL is functional
• Trial status is noted if relevant
• Publication details are complete (if published)
• Authors are listed (if citing results)

Finding Clinical Trial Information

Major clinical trial registries:

• ClinicalTrials.gov: US National Institutes of Health registry
• WHO ICTRP: World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform
• ISRCTN: International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Register
• JPRN: Japan Primary Registries Network
• EU CTR: European Union Clinical Trials Register

Clinical trials are essential sources for medical research and evidence-based medicine. Proper citation allows readers to access trial details and understand the evidence base for medical interventions.