Scientific Surgery

Abstract

There was no advantage using high dose chemotherapy in this trial that included 605 women. After median follow-up of 6 years, overall survival (62 versus 64 per cent for conventional chemotherapy, P = 0·73) and relapse-free survival rates (57 versus 54 per cent, P = 0·38) were similar. Cosmetic scores were similar at 6 months and 1 year in this trial that compared glue with continuous monofilament skin suture in 133 patients. Patient satisfaction was rated higher with glue (P < 0·001), and glue was quicker to use (P < 0·001) and cheaper (P < 0·001). In a 28 week trial, 396 patients were randomized to CDP571 every 8 weeks to week 24. After 2 weeks, clinical response was improved by active treatment compared to placebo: 34·2 versus 21·2 per cent, P = 0·011. The difference was not significant after 28 weeks: 30·4 versus 23·5 per cent, P = 0·102. The drug was well tolerated. A total of 170 patients were included in this multicentre trial. There were no major differences in operative factors: duration of surgery, hospital stay, morbidity or mortality, positive resection margins. Similarly, there were no differences in survival up to 115 months after operation (P < 0·90).The trials listed here are added to the Scientific Surgery Archive which contains all randomized clinical trials in Surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. The Archive, which is fully searchable, can be found on the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk) together with other useful features for surgeons such as Instructions to Authors,