Data are presented as median and range. Grouping of the variables age, tumour type, performance status (ECOG), haemoglobin, white cell count and albumin was carried out using standard thresholds (Paesmans et al, 1997; Herndon et al, 1999 (link)). C-reactive protein concentrations were also grouped (⩽10/>10 mg l−l) as previously described (O'Gorman et al, 2000 (link)). Prognostic scores were constructed by assigning one point for each of the following criteria: stage IV, ECOG 2–4, albumin <35 g l−l and C-reactive protein >10 mg l−l. Cumulative scores were obtained by combining C-reactive protein with each of the other variables.
Univariate survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate survival analysis and calculation of hazard ratios (HR) were performed using the Cox regression analysis with prognostic scores as covariates. Deaths up to 31 January 2003 were included in the analysis. Analysis was performed using SPSS software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).
Univariate survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate survival analysis and calculation of hazard ratios (HR) were performed using the Cox regression analysis with prognostic scores as covariates. Deaths up to 31 January 2003 were included in the analysis. Analysis was performed using SPSS software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).
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