ATTEMPTED PROPHYLAXIS OF BLADDER CANCER WITH 1←4 GLUCOSACCHAROLACTONE

Abstract

SUMMARY A clinical trial of 1‐>4‐glucosaccharolactone (saccharolactone) and sodium citrate as compared with a placebo (lactose) has been made in an attempt to prevent the development of bladder tumours in 105 patients, who had previously had bladder cancer. The trial failed to show any clear beneficial effects. Statistical examination of the results shows that only a reduction in the incidence of recurrent tumours of 30 per cent, or more would have been significant in a trial of this size. Reasons for the failure of the treatment to effect the development of the disease are discussed.