Evaluation of an unconventional cancer treatment (the Di Bella multitherapy): results of phase II trials in Italy. Italian Study Group for the Di Bella Multitherapy Trails.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine whether the treatment known as Di Bella multitherapy exerts antitumour activity worthy of further controlled clinical evaluation.

Design

11 independent multicentre uncontrolled phase II trials relevant to 8 different types of cancer.

Setting

26 Italian hospitals specialising in cancer treatment.

Subjects

386 patients with advanced cancer were enrolled in the trials between March and July 1998 and followed to 31 October 1998.

Interventions

Melatonin, bromocriptine, either somatostatin or octreotide, and retinoid solution, the drugs that constitute Di Bella multitherapy, were given to patients daily. Cyclophosphamide and hydroxyurea were added in some trials.

Main outcome measures

Responses were assessed every 1, 2, or 3 month

SUBMITTER:  

PROVIDER: S-EPMC27702 | biostudies-literature | 1999 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature