Multimodality therapy for oesophageal cancer
Author Information
Author(s): De Vita F, Orditura M, Martinelli E, Vecchione L, Innocenti R, Sileni V C, Pinto C, Di Maio M, Farella A, Troiani T, Morgillo F, Napolitano V, Ancona E, Di Martino N, Ruol A, Galizia G, Del Genio A, Ciardiello F
Primary Institution: Second University of Naples
Hypothesis
Can the combination of FOLFOX-4 and cetuximab followed by radiation improve outcomes in patients with locally advanced oesophageal cancer?
Conclusion
The study shows that combining FOLFOX-4 and cetuximab followed by radiation is a feasible and effective preoperative treatment for locally advanced oesophageal cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- 41 patients were enrolled in the study.
- 27% of patients who underwent surgery achieved a complete pathological response.
- The median overall survival time was 17.3 months.
Takeaway
Doctors tested a new treatment for a type of throat cancer and found that it helped some patients get better before surgery.
Methodology
This was a phase II, multicenter trial where patients received FOLFOX-4 and cetuximab followed by radiation and cetuximab.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the non-randomized design and the small number of patients.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and the results may not be generalizable.
Participant Demographics
41 patients with locally advanced oesophageal cancer, median age 54, 30 males and 11 females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0009
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 2.22–22.9
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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