Chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer: A summary of all randomised trials reported 2000-2007

Abstract

Aim: To summarise the findings of all randomised trials comparing chemotherapy regimens for metastatic breast cancer that were reported between 2000 and 2007 inclusive.

Methods: We searched the specialised register of clinical trials maintained by the secretariat of the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group (CBCG) from 2000 to 2007, and abstracts from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual scientific meeting (2000-2007).

Results: Eighty reports of 63 trials were identified as eligible for this review. Whilst over 30% of the trials reported a statistically significant difference in response rate or progression free survival, only 8 trials (13%) reported a difference in overall survival. Thirty percent reported quality of life data. Very few trials examined the critical clinical questions of duration and the relative merits of combination versus sequential single agent chemotherapy.

Concluding statement: There is little evidence from trials reported from 2000 to 2007 that major survival differences exist between many commonly employed chemotherapy regimens.