Stochastic approximation methods and their use in bioassay and phase i clinical trials

Abstract

Stochastic approximation procedures are sequential estimation methods which provide estimates for the point at which a general regression function attains a given value. The application of such methods to the problem of estimating the median effective does in bioassay and to the problem of estimating the maximally tolerated does in phase I clinical trials is discussed. it is argued that these methods could be very useful in practice.