19573 Background: Pulmonary toxicity is one of the most serious adverse effects of cytotoxic agents, and affected patients require discontinuation of the anti-cancer therapy, and it even proves fatal in many cases. Its incidence, however, may be considerably biased, as it may be influenced by many factors such as intercurrent medications or co-morbidities. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the incidences of pulmonary toxicity by cytotoxic agents in published data relating to prospective randomized comparative studies. Methods: A Medline literature search was conducted to extract prospective randomized comparative studies (either phase II or III) that included docetaxel, paclitaxel, irinotecan, vinorelbine and gemcitabine. Comparisons had to be performed between regimens with and without one of these agents, in addition to best supportive care with or without other common agent(s), so as to be able to clearly attribute the toxicity to the agent. Reports lacking detailed toxicity data were excluded. Results: The table below summarizes the results of the finally evaluated 47 studies (5 to 12 per agent) fulfilling the criteria. As many studies showed no pulmonary toxicity, standard statistical methods for meta-analysis were not applicable. Conclusions: The present study analyzing data in prospective randomized comparative studies might minimize bias of the relative incidence of pulmonary toxicity. Pulmonary toxicity was rarely encountered in randomized comparative studies. No increase in frequency was shown by the inclusion of any of the five cytotoxic agents. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Prevention of Colon Cancer Recurrence From Minimal Residual Disease: Computer Optimized Dose Schedules of Intermittent Apoptotic Adjuvant Therapy
