Weekly high-dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), leucovorin (LV) and bimonthly cisplatin in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

A phase II clinical trial was performed to evaluate the activity and toxicity of bimonthly cisplatin and weekly 24-h infusion of high-dose 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

From September 1997 to March 1998, 23 chemo-naive patients of advanced gastric cancer were enrolled in this study. The regimen consisted of weekly 24-h infusion of 5-FU (2,600 mg/m2) and LV 150 mg and bimonthly cisplatin (25-50 mg/m2) bolus for 12 weeks followed by a 2-week break.

RESULTS:

There were 10 male and 13 female patients with a median age of 52 years. A total of 428 chemotherapy treatments were given with a mean of 11. Seventeen patients were evaluable for response. There were 41% (7/17) partial response, 18% (3/17) stable disease and 41% (7/17) progressive disease. The grade III or IV toxicity included anorexia 35% (8/23), fatigue 26% (6/23), vomiting 17% (4/23) and mucositis 9% (2/23). One patient developed perforated duodenal stump after chemotherapy. One patient died of hyperammonemia-related coma. The median times to disease progression and overall survival were 3.5 and 7 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

This regimen showed modest activity against gastric cancer. However, there was no survival advantage and there was greater toxicity than with weekly high-dose 5-FU-LV alone.

• Authors: Y C Lin, J S Chen, C H Wang, H M Wang, H K Chang, C T Liaul, T S Yang, C C Liaw, H E Liu
• Journal: Japanese journal of clinical oncology (Jpn J Clin Oncol) Vol. 31 Issue 12 Pg. 605-9 (Dec 2001) ISSN: 0368-2811 [Print] England
• PMID: 11902492 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Clinical Trial, Phase II, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Cisplatin
• Leucovorin
• Fluorouracil

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (administration & dosage)
• Cisplatin (administration & dosage)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Fluorouracil (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Leucovorin (administration & dosage)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Stomach Neoplasms (drug therapy, mortality)
• Survival Rate