Randomized trials of radiotherapy alone versus combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy in stages IIIa and IIIb nonsmall cell lung cancer. A meta‐analysis

摘要: Background. For patients with Stage III nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), radiation is the standard treatment, but survival remains poor. The authors performed a meta-analysis study using clinical trials that evaluated combined radiotherapy plus chemotherapy versus alone in Stages IIIa and IIIb NSCLC. Methods. point estimates, essential data were extracted directly from published reports. Results. Survival probabilities at 1, 2, 3, 5 years, as estimated curves, considered endpoints of interest. 3 estimates confidence intervals used. Quality scoring studies also was performed. Fourteen selected, comprising 1887 meta-analysis. cisplatin-based group, pooled odds ratio death 1 2 years 0.76 (0.6–0.9 CI) 0.70 (0.5–0.9 CI), reduction mortality 24% 30%, respectively. noncisplatin-based 1.05 (0.7–1.5 0.82 (0.5–1.3 morality 5% 18%, However, no significant differences found between percentage CI estimates. Conclusions. These results favor radiotherapy, although it not so survival. must, however, be light their relevance balance quality life, toxicity, costs chemotherapy. Cancer 1995; 76:593–601.