Timing the collaborative analysis of three trials comparing 5-FU plus folinic acid (FUFA) to surgery alone in the management of resected colorectal cancer: a National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group (NCIC-CTG) perspective.

Three cancer trials groups have decided to combine data from their separate trials examining the role of chemotherapy with 5-FU and folinic acid in the adjuvant treatment of resected colorectal carcinoma. Decisions regarding the timing of the analyses of these data have had to consider the same issues that surround early termination of ongoing trials. This paper reviews this experience from the perspective of one of the groups. It emphasizes the significant impact on decision-making of international differences of opinion concerning treatment standards.