[Use and risk of antibacterial chemotherapy from the medical point of view]

The evaluation of the efficacy and possible intolerance of an antibacterial chemotherapy is based on the exact analysis of patient specific signs and symptoms, pathogenetic factors of the specific bacteria and parameters of the specific substance. One has to differentiate between usefulness of the antibiotics (effect) and the possible risks for the patient as well as for the physician involved. Today the legal regulations have become so strict for treatment with new substances in phase II to III studies that in most of the new chemotherapeutic substances the relationship between efficacy and possible intolerance reactions may be judged as optimal for both the patient and the physician. Our own experiences have shown that patients involved in studies with well designed protocols are better controlled and in most instances also better treated than patients treated outside such protocols.