Marimastat for Advanced Gastric Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Bramhall S R, Hallissey M T, Whiting J, Scholefield J, Tierney G, Stuart R C, Hawkins R E, McCulloch P, Maughan T, Brown P D, Baillet M, Fielding J W L
Primary Institution: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
Hypothesis
Can marimastat prolong survival in patients with non-resectable gastric cancer?
Conclusion
Marimastat treatment showed a modest survival benefit in patients with advanced gastric cancer, especially in those who had received prior chemotherapy.
Supporting Evidence
- Marimastat showed a median survival of 160 days compared to 138 days for placebo.
- 2-year survival rates were 9% for marimastat and 3% for placebo.
- A significant survival benefit was observed in patients who had received prior chemotherapy.
Takeaway
This study tested a new medicine called marimastat to see if it helps people with a type of stomach cancer that can't be operated on. It found that marimastat might help some patients live a little longer.
Methodology
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing marimastat to placebo in patients with advanced gastric cancer.
Potential Biases
Imbalances in ECOG performance status and prior treatments may affect the results.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and potential biases due to imbalances in patient characteristics.
Participant Demographics
Patients were adults over 18 years with advanced gastric cancer, mostly stage IV.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.024
Confidence Interval
1.03–1.57
Statistical Significance
p=0.024
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website