Esophageal cancer surgery: the value of controlled clinical trials.
Prospective randomized controlled trials (RCT) in esophageal cancer were reviewed. Their value and significance in the areas of multimodality therapy, lymphadenectomy, surgical techniques, palliative treatments, and perioperative management were evaluated. Much has been gained through RCT in the management of esophageal cancer, and RCT is the most reliable scientific method in clinical investigations. Problems in the conduct of such trials include lack of expertise by surgeons, lack of patients, lack of funding, and methodologic and ethical problems. These obstacles could be overcome and more well-conducted RCTs encouraged.
Law
S Y
SY
Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
Wong
J
J
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic