Reply to the letter from Mr Fayers
1994
Response to Criticism of a Palliative Treatment Study
Sample size: 16
Commentary
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): A.S. Jones, P. Fayers
Primary Institution: Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Conclusion
The study found no significant difference in response rates between two treatment regimens for a rare disease.
Supporting Evidence
- The study had a small sample size of 16 patients.
- One partial response was obtained among patients receiving cisplatinum.
- The 95% confidence interval for the mean survival of the cisplatinum group was 110-765 days.
- The 95% confidence interval for the mean survival of the epirubicin group was 0-531 days.
- A Mann-Whitney test showed a non-significant difference in survival times.
Takeaway
The study looked at how well two treatments worked for a rare disease, and it found that both treatments had similar results.
Methodology
The study compared response rates of two treatment regimens using a small sample of patients.
Potential Biases
There may be risks of bias in the presentation of statistical analyses.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and did not use Gehan's rule correctly.
Participant Demographics
Patients with a rare and severe disease.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.36
Confidence Interval
{"cisplatinum":"110-765 days","epirubicin":"0-531 days"}
Statistical Significance
p=0.36
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