How can blockchain be used to secure clinical trial data?

Blockchain can secure clinical trial data by providing an immutable ledger that enhances data integrity and transparency among stakeholders. This ledger allows for tamper-evident record-keeping, ensuring that once data are written, they cannot be altered without detection, thus strengthening audit trails in clinical research[4]. Furthermore, blockchain streamlines patient consent tracking and data sharing across various parties, empowering patients to control their data permissions while ensuring compliance with ethical standards[5].

However, the scalability of blockchain solutions presents challenges, particularly with transaction throughput and data management in large clinical trials[5]. Ongoing pilot projects, such as BlockTrial, showcase the feasibility of blockchain applications in managing clinical trial processes and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements[3].