(19-01-2017) The contribution of cytotoxic chemotherapy to 5-year survival in adult malignancies

Morgan G , Ward R, Barton M.
Department of Radiation Oncology, Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore
Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia. [email protected]
Abstract

The debate on the funding and availability of cytotoxic drugs raises questions about the
contribution of curative or adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy to survival in adult cancer patients.
We undertook a literature search for randomised clinical trials
reporting a 5-year survival benefit attributable solely to cytotoxic chemotherapy in adult
malignancies. The total number of newly diagnosed cancer patients for 22 major adult
malignancies was determined from cancer registry data in Australia and from the Surveillance
Epidemiology and End Results data in the USA for 1998. For each malignancy, the absolute
number to benefit was the product of (a) the total number of persons with that malignancy; (b)
the proportion or subgroup(s) of that malignancy showing a benefit; and (c) the percentage
increase in 5-year survival due solely to cytotoxic chemotherapy. The overall contribution was
the sum total of the absolute numbers showing a 5-year survival benefit expressed as a
percentage of the total number for the 22 malignancies.
The overall contribution of curative and adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy to 5-year
survival in adults was estimated to be 2.3% in Australia and 2.1% in the USA.
As the 5-year relative survival rate for cancer in Australia is now over 60%, it is
clear that cytotoxic chemotherapy only makes a minor contribution to cancer survival. To justify
the continued funding and availability of drugs used in cytotoxic chemotherapy, a rigorous
evaluation of the cost-effectiveness and impact on quality of life is urgently required.

Source: Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 2004 Dec;16(8):549-60.

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