Gemcitabine and Cisplatin in Oesophageal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Millar J, Scullin P, Morrison A, McClory B, Wall L, Cameron D, Philips H, Price A, Dunlop D, Eatock M
Primary Institution: Northern Ireland Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, Belfast City Hospital
Hypothesis
This study assesses the feasibility and activity of gemcitabine and cisplatin in patients with locally advanced/metastatic oesophageal cancer.
Conclusion
The combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin has manageable toxicity and significant activity in patients with locally advanced/metastatic oesophageal cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Overall response rate was 45%, with three complete responses and 16 partial responses.
- Median survival was 11 months.
- Grade 3–4 neutropenia occurred in 37% of cycles.
Takeaway
Doctors tested two medicines, gemcitabine and cisplatin, to see if they help people with a tough kind of cancer in the throat. They found that the medicines worked pretty well and didn't make people too sick.
Methodology
42 patients were treated with gemcitabine and cisplatin in a 21-day cycle, with interim safety analysis and response assessment.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the non-randomized design and the small number of patients.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and was not randomized.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 60 years, with 34 males and 8 females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.036
Confidence Interval
95% CI 4.8–17.3 months
Statistical Significance
p=0.036
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website