Randomized trials of radiotherapy alone versus combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy in stages IIIa and IIIb nonsmall cell lung cancer: A meta-analysis

arino et al.' have performed a meta-analysis using data extracted M from published randomized trials comparing radiotherapy (RT) to RT plus chemotherapy (CT) in Stage IIIA and IIIB unresectable nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). They identified 14 trials published between 1980 and 1994. The odds ratio (OR) summarizing the results was computed for 1887 patients. The NSCLC Collaborative Group (NSCLCCG) has recently published a meta-analysis using updated data from individual patients on the same topic,' including 22 trials which accrued patients between 1965 and 1991. The analysis was performed on 3033 patients (2814 deaths). These two approaches differ not only in the trials and patients included and the method of analysis used, but also in the results that they produced.