Time to publication of oncology trials and why some trials are never published.

Almost 30% of trials were calculated to be unpublished by 7 years after closing to accrual at our institution. Failure to reach accrual goals was an important factor in non-publication. We have devised new institutional policies that identify trials likely not to meet accrual goals and require early closure. We should be able to shorten the time from accrual completion to publication, especially for pilot and phase I trials for which long follow up is not needed.