Table 3 Comparison of toxicity and side effects in different GEJ carcinoma trials

Number of patients randomized

224

368

126

Patients with at least grade 3 toxicity

38%

Hematologic: 7.6% All other: 13%

Unspecified

Grade 3 – and 4 toxicity in control arm

-

-

5% (CT arm as control arm)

Grade 3–4 leukopenia during CT/CRT

5.5%

6%

12%

Grade 3–4 neutropenia during CT/CRT

20.2%

2%

unspecified

Grade 3–4 thrombocytopenia during CT/CRT

5.5%

1%

5%

Progressive disease during preoperative therapy

11%

Absolute number unspecified; 7 patients (4%) did not undergo surgery because of disease progression

10%

Deaths during CT/CRT

1%

1%

One patient (2%) died in CT group; none died in CRT group