British journal of cancer
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British journal of cancer · Jun 2015
ReviewBest supportive care in clinical trials: review of the inconsistency in control arm design.
Best supportive care (BSC) as a control arm in clinical trials is poorly defined. We conducted a review to evaluate clinical trials' concordance with published, consensus-based framework for BSC delivery in trials. ⋯ Reporting of BSC in trials is incomplete, resulting in uncertain internal and external validity. Such studies risk systematically over-estimating the net clinical effect of the comparator arms.
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British journal of cancer · Jun 2015
BRAF and RAS mutations as prognostic factors in metastatic colorectal cancer patients undergoing liver resection.
Despite major advances in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with liver-only involvement, relapse rates are high and reliable prognostic markers are needed. ⋯ BRAF mutation is associated with an extremely poor median RFS after liver resection and with higher probability of relapse and death. Knowledge of BRAF mutational status may optimise clinical decision making in mCRC patients potentially candidate to hepatic surgery. RAS status as useful marker in this setting might require further studies.