A quicker method for calculating mortality ratios based on survival rates in clinical trials and other follow-up studies.

OBJECTIVES To provide reference expected cumulative survival tables, reducing steps in the calculation of mortality ratios and excess death rates from the medical literature, when source data are in terms of survival curves or cumulative survival rates. METHOD Actuarial methodology. RESULTS Tables provide cumulative expected survival rates calculated by entry age and for different periods of follow-up, as used in clinical trials and registries in the medical literature. CONCLUSION The observed survival in scientific papers can be appraised promptly using cumulative survival tables calculated from either insurance or population life tables.