Authors' objectives:

This study aims to summarise the currently available evidence on docetaxel for advanced gastric cancer.

Authors' recommendations: Docetaxel (Taxotere, Docetaxol) is an antineoplastic agent that is in phase III trials in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil (5-FU) as a first- line treatment for advanced gastric cancer. Interim results from a phase III trial demonstrated significant improvements in the primary outcome of time to progression (5.2 months vs. 3.7 months) and median survival (10.2 months vs. 8.5 months) when compared to cisplatin and 5-FU alone. Preliminary results from a phase II trial comparing the docetaxel regimen with the most active chemotherapy regimen (epirubicin/cisplatin/5-FU, ECF) also suggest improved efficacy. Docetaxel is currently licensed for breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer in the UK, and is in clinical trials for head and neck, ovarian and oesophageal cancers, and hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2004

URL for published report: http://www.psy-flow.com/sites/psy-flow/files/docs/flow.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre

Contact Address: The NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre, Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, 90 Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SP. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 121 414 7831, Fax: +44 121 2269

Contact Name: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Contact Email: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Copyright: National Horizon Scanning Centre (NHSC)