Prof. Lucia Lo Bello, PhD

Publication type:  Journal Article

Authors: L. Lo Bello, G. Pistone, S. Restuccia, E. Vinci, G. Mazzoleni, M. Malaguarnera

Journal: International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Volume: 38

Pages: 553-562

Date: Dec. 2000

Abstract:
Objective: Innovative techniques in the field of artificial intelligence could help to resolve several methodological problems. A model taking into account all the parameters involved in a therapy can foresee the results of each type of treatment or therapeutic protocol on patients at different stages of a disease. We used a Computer Decision Support System in order to verify the reliability and efficacy of this method on chemotherapy of colorectal carcinoma. Material and methods: We analyzed 8 randomized clinical trials employing 5-fluorouracil alone (5-FU) or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) plus leucovorin (FA) in the management of advanced colorectal carcinoma. Computer Decision Support System (CDSS) was used to perform four basic tasks: data acquisition and organization; data recruitment; combination of the various principles and specific data; user-friendly display of the analysis results and responses to treatment. Results: In the majority of the studies examined, the death rates were lower in patients treated with 5-FU + FA than in those on 5-FU alone, even though the difference was not statistically significant. However, there were wide fluctuations in the efficacy/ tolerability ratio between the two protocols investigated, depending on the patients’ clinical status. Our data showed that a strong attack using 5-FU + FA is feasible whenever the patients’ clinical conditions are not particularly severe, whereas a moderate attack using 5-FU alone is recommended as the patients’ clinical condition worsens. Conclusion: The use of CDSS in the management of colorectal carcinoma indicates which therapy is the best in terms of efficacy, overall survival and incidence of side effects.

ISSN: 0946-1965

URL:  http://www.dustri.com/nc/journals-in-english/mag/int-journal-of-clinical-pharmacology-and-therapeutics/vol/volume-38/issue/december-16.html

Status: published

Cite as:
 L. Lo Bello, G. Pistone, S. Restuccia, E. Vinci, G. Mazzoleni, M. Malaguarnera, "5 Fluororacil Alone versus 5 Fluororacil plus folinic acid in the treatment of colorectal carcinoma: metanalysis and review of the literature", International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, vol. 38, pp. 553-562, Dec. 2000