Verapamil with Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): M.J. Millward, B.M.J. Cantwell, N.C. Munro, A. Robinson, P.A. Corris, A.L. Harris
Primary Institution: University Department of Clinical Oncology, Newcastle General Hospital
Hypothesis
Can oral verapamil modify chemotherapy resistance in advanced non-small cell lung cancer?
Conclusion
The addition of oral verapamil to chemotherapy improved patient outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- 41% of patients receiving chemotherapy plus verapamil had a response compared to 18% receiving chemotherapy alone.
- Median survival was significantly better in the verapamil group at 41 weeks compared to 22 weeks in the control group.
- The study included 72 patients, with 68 evaluable for response and survival.
Takeaway
This study tested if a medicine called verapamil could help chemotherapy work better for lung cancer. It found that using verapamil with chemotherapy helped more patients get better.
Methodology
A randomized trial comparing chemotherapy plus verapamil to chemotherapy alone in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Potential Biases
The lack of blinding and placebo control may affect the reliability of the results.
Limitations
The study did not use a placebo and was not blinded, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, both metastatic and locally advanced, with no prior chemotherapy.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Confidence Interval
95% CI 24%-59%
Statistical Significance
p=0.02
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