Assessment of an in vitro screening test of cytotoxic agents in the treatment of advanced malignant disease.

The value of a screening test for sytoxic chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of advanced malignant disease is assessed by comparing the performances of 32 patients whose treatment followed closely the test recommendations with that of 31 patients whose treatment did not follow the predictions. The significant improvement in short-term prognosis (p=0.004) indicates that the test is of clinical value. The limitations of retrospective analysis are discussed in detail.