Improved Survival with 5FU and Levamisole in Colorectal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Taal B G, Van Tinteren H, Zoetmulder F A N
Primary Institution: Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam
Hypothesis
Does adjuvant therapy with 5FU plus levamisole improve survival in patients with stage II and III colonic or rectal cancer?
Conclusion
One year of treatment with 5FU plus levamisole improved survival rates in patients with stage II and III colonic cancer, but not significantly in rectal cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients receiving adjuvant treatment had a 25% reduction in odds of death compared to those who did not.
- 5-year survival rates were 65% for the treatment group versus 55% for the observation group.
- Relative survival improved in stage III patients (56% vs 44%) and stage II patients (78% vs 70%).
- Compliance to the treatment was 69% and severe toxicity did not occur.
Takeaway
Giving patients a medicine called 5FU with another medicine called levamisole after their surgery helps them live longer if they have certain types of bowel cancer.
Methodology
A prospective trial where 1029 patients were randomized to receive either 5FU plus levamisole or no further treatment after surgery.
Limitations
The study did not demonstrate a significant benefit of treatment in rectal cancer.
Participant Demographics
45% of participants were in stage II and 55% in stage III.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.007
Statistical Significance
p=0.007
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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