Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: Event-based relative risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were derived through both a fixed-effect and a random-effect model; a heterogeneity test was applied as well. Absolute differences (AD) and the number (of patients) needed to treat (NNT) were calculated. Primary endpoints were: 1) pCR rate and 2) BCS rate. A sensitivity analysis of 3 subgroups according to taxane strategies was conducted. RESULTS: Data for primary endpoints were available for 7 RCTs (2455 patients). The rate of BCS was significantly higher for patients receiving taxanes, with an AD of 3.4% (P = .012), which translates into 29 patients NNT, without significant heterogeneity. The rate of pCR was higher for patients receiving taxanes, although not statistically significant. In the sensitivity analysis, patients receiving taxanes as a sequential schedule had a significant higher probability to achieve pCR, with an AD of 2.4% (P = .013), which translates into 41 patients NNT, without significant heterogeneity. Patients receiving taxanes as a concomitant schedule had a significantly higher probability to achieve BCS, with an AD of 5.3% (P = .027), which translates into 19 patients NNT, without significant heterogeneity. The complete response rate was significantly higher in the taxane arms, regardless of the adopted strategy, with an AD ranging from 6.7% to 15.5%. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | Federica Cuppone, Emilio Bria, Paolo Carlini, Michele Milella, Alessandra Felici, Isabella Sperduti, Cecilia Nisticò, Edmondo Terzoli, Francesco Cognetti, Diana Giannarelli |
Journal | Cancer
(Cancer)
Vol. 113
Issue 2
Pg. 238-46
(Jul 15 2008)
ISSN: 0008-543X [Print] United States |
PMID | 18470908
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis)
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Chemical References |
- Antineoplastic Agents
- Taxoids
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Topics |
- Antineoplastic Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Breast Neoplasms
(drug therapy, epidemiology, pathology)
- Humans
- Neoadjuvant Therapy
- Neoplasm Staging
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- Taxoids
(therapeutic use)
- Treatment Outcome
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