Meta-analysis of randomised trials of systemic chemotherapy versus supportive treatment in non-resectable non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract

We have conducted a meta-analysis of all published and unpublished 'polychemotherapy' versus 'best supportive care' clinical trials in patients with non-resectable non-small cell lung cancer to assess the usefulness of polychemotherapy in this cancer. Seven studies with more than 700 patients were selected for our meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis showed a reduction in mortality during the first months under polychemotherapy. Although quite small, this increase in survival, coupled with a certain improved 'quality of life' suggests that polychemotherapy should be recommended for patients with non-resectable non-small cell lung cancer.

• Authors: P J Souquet, F Chauvin, J P Boissel, J P Bernard
• Journal: Lung cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands) (Lung Cancer) Vol. 12 Suppl 1 Pg. S147-54 (Apr 1995) ISSN: 0169-5002 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 7551923 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis)

Topics

• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (therapeutic use)
• Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung (drug therapy, mortality)
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (drug therapy, mortality)
• Palliative Care
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic (statistics & numerical data)