[Toxicity criteria]

Toxicity criteria used by the "Japan Society for Cancer Therapy" (JSCT) were reviewed and compared with that of WHO, ECOG, NCI (USA), and JCOG. During the past ten years, these toxicity criteria of the major cooperative study groups have undergone significant revision, but, toxicity criteria of JSCT have never been revised for more than ten years. Thus criteria of JSCT now show a several inconsistency. Grading of toxicity is also indistinct. Therefore, toxicity criteria used by JSCT should be revised. Furthermore, in the assessment of toxicity, duration of toxicity, effects of toxicity on the quality of life and psychosocial problems should also be considered. Standard criteria for the assessment of long-term complications are necessary. To study early signs and symptoms of late effects and to know risk factors for toxicity are also important.