What is the primary responsibility of a Data Safety Monitoring Board in clinical trials?

The primary responsibility of a Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) in clinical trials is to monitor participant safety and data integrity. DSMBs are independent committees typically composed of experts who review the accumulating data from the clinical trial on an ongoing basis. Their key role is to ensure that the trial is being conducted ethically and safely, prioritizing the well-being of participants.

This involves assessing any adverse events, evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment being tested, and ensuring that the trial's protocols are being followed properly. If they determine that a treatment is not safe or is not providing benefits that outweigh risks, they have the authority to recommend the termination of the trial or modifications to the protocol.

The other options mentioned do not align with the primary functions of a DSMB. While ensuring data privacy is a crucial aspect of research ethics, it is usually overseen by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or similar ethics committee rather than a DSMB. Advertising strategies and market competitiveness are considerations relevant to clinical research from a business perspective, but they do not pertain to the core responsibilities of a DSMB, which remain focused solely on participant safety and trial integrity.