A phase-III study of recombinant interleukin 2 and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
1993

Study of Interleukin-2 and Chemotherapy in Colorectal Cancer

Sample size: 16 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): T.J. Hamblin, S. Sadullah, P. Williamson, J. Stevenson, R. Oskam, P. Palmer, C.R. Franks

Primary Institution: Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Hypothesis

Can recombinant interleukin-2 combined with 5-fluorouracil improve treatment outcomes in metastatic colorectal cancer?

Conclusion

The study found that 33% of patients achieved a partial response to the treatment regimen.

Supporting Evidence

  • Five patients achieved a partial response, indicating some effectiveness of the treatment.
  • Patients experienced manageable side effects, with only one requiring intensive care.
  • The median survival for evaluable patients was 476 days.

Takeaway

Doctors tested a new treatment for cancer that combines two medicines, and some patients got better.

Methodology

Patients received a continuous infusion of rIL-2 followed by injections of 5FU, with response assessed through imaging.

Potential Biases

Potential biases due to the small number of patients and lack of a control group.

Limitations

The small sample size may limit the generalizability of the results.

Participant Demographics

16 patients, median age 61, with a mix of colon and rectal cancer.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

11.8%-61.6%

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

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