Oral tegafur in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract cancers: a phase II study
1990

Oral Tegafur for Gastrointestinal Cancers

Sample size: 50 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): S. Palmeri, V. Gebbia, A. Russo, M.G. Armata, N. Gebbia, L. Rausa

Primary Institution: Istituto di Farmacologia, Universitai di Palermo

Hypothesis

Is oral tegafur effective in treating gastrointestinal tract cancers?

Conclusion

Oral tegafur is effective for stomach and colorectal cancers but does not significantly improve survival.

Supporting Evidence

  • 17% of evaluable patients showed a partial response.
  • 55% of patients progressed without response.
  • Oral tegafur was well tolerated with mild side effects.

Takeaway

Doctors gave a medicine called tegafur to people with stomach and bowel cancer to see if it helped them feel better. Some people got better, but it didn't help everyone live longer.

Methodology

Fifty patients with advanced gastrointestinal tract cancer were treated with oral tegafur and monitored for response and toxicity.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and lacked a control group.

Participant Demographics

31 males (62%) and 19 females (38%), mean age 62 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

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