Cisplatin and Gemcitabine for Malignant Mesothelioma
Author Information
Author(s): Nowak A K, Byrne M J, Williamson R, Ryan G, Segal A, Fielding D, Mitchell P, Musk A W, Robinson B W S
Primary Institution: Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
Hypothesis
Does the combination of cisplatin and gemcitabine improve response rates and quality of life in patients with malignant mesothelioma?
Conclusion
The study confirms that cisplatin and gemcitabine are effective in treating malignant mesothelioma, with a response rate of 33% and improvements in quality of life for some patients.
Supporting Evidence
- The overall response rate was 33%, with significant improvements in quality of life for responding patients.
- Median survival from start of treatment was 11.2 months.
- Quality of life assessments showed significant improvement in global health status for responders.
Takeaway
This study tested a medicine combination on sick people and found that about one in three got better, and some felt better overall.
Methodology
Fifty-three patients received cisplatin and gemcitabine in a multicentre phase II study, with assessments of quality of life and pulmonary function.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to eligibility criteria focusing on patients with measurable disease.
Limitations
The study did not include a control group, and the sample size was relatively small.
Participant Demographics
Most patients had advanced disease, with 87% at UICC TNM stage III or IV and 91% having ECOG performance status of 0 or 1.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Confidence Interval
95% CI 20–46%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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