[Clinical studies of adjuvant systemic chemotherapy in breast cancer in The Netherlands assumes a greater number of patients than is available].
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the number of breast cancer patients in the Netherlands is sufficient for the current clinical investigations of adjuvant systemic chemotherapy.


METHODS
Descriptive.


METHODS
Nationwide.


METHODS
The number of current investigations of adjuvant therapy for breast cancer was obtained from the chairmen of the Comprehensive Cancer Centres and from the Protocol Review Committee of the Dutch Cancer Society (Koningin Wilhelmina Fonds). There were eight studies in progress.


RESULTS
The current investigations of adjuvant therapy for breast cancer need 3612 patients (903 per year with a study duration of 4 years). The total number of relevant breast cancer patients per year in the Netherlands is 4993. Taking into account the necessary subgroups with respect to age and positive/negative axillary lymph nodes, and possible reluctance of patients and doctors to cooperate, it is not surprising that a number of studies are delayed.


CONCLUSIONS
The number of breast cancer patients needed for clinical trials of adjuvant systemic chemotherapy in the Netherlands is a limiting factor for the progress of these studies.
Blijham
G H
GH
Academisch Ziekenhuis, afd. Interne Geneeskunde, Utrecht.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D018579:Patient Selection
Het klinische onderzoek naar adjuvante systemische chemotherapie bij borstkanker in Nederland gaat uit van een groter aantal patiënten dan beschikbaar is.