Prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of cimetidine in gastric cancer
1999

Cimetidine and Survival in Gastric Cancer

Sample size: 442 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Langman M J S, Dunn J A, Whiting J L, Burton A, Hallissey M T, Fielding J W L, Kerr D J

Primary Institution: Department of Medicine and Clinical Trials Unit, CRC Institute for Cancer Studies, Clinical Research Block, The Medical School, Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TA, UK

Hypothesis

Cimetidine might prolong survival for patients with operable and inoperable gastric cancer.

Conclusion

Cimetidine does not significantly influence the survival of patients with gastric cancer compared to placebo.

Supporting Evidence

  • 442 patients were randomized in the trial.
  • Median survival for patients receiving cimetidine was 13 months.
  • Five-year survival was 21% for cimetidine and 18% for placebo.

Takeaway

This study tested a medicine called cimetidine to see if it helps people with stomach cancer live longer, but it didn't make a difference.

Methodology

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with survival as the primary endpoint.

Limitations

The study may not account for all variables affecting survival.

Participant Demographics

Patients with early and advanced gastric cancer.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.42

Confidence Interval

95% CI 9–16 months for cimetidine, 95% CI 9–14 months for placebo

Statistical Significance

p=0.42

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6690457

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