Elsevier

Annals of Oncology

Volume 15, Issue 5, May 2004, Pages 765-769
Annals of Oncology

Original articles
Gastrointestinal tumors
Combination of folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil bolus and infusion, and cisplatin (LV5FU2-P regimen) in patients with advanced gastricor gastroesophageal junction carcinoma

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Abstract

Background

Combination chemotherapy with continuous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin in a monthly regimen is one of the standard treatments for advanced gastric carcinoma. This study evaluated the new LV5FU2-P regimen, designed to improve efficacy and tolerance of the 5-FU plus cisplatin combination.

Patients and methods

Forty-three patients with advanced or metastatic gastroesophageal junction or gastric carcinoma were prospectively included in the study. They were treated every 14 days with cisplatin 50 mg/m2 on day 2 plus folinic acid 200 mg/m2/day as a 2-h intravenous (i.v.) infusion on days 1 and 2, plus bolus 5-FU 400 mg/m2/day on days 1 and 2, plus continuous 5-FU 600 mg/m2/day as a 22-h i.v. infusion on days 1 and 2. Ten patients received a simplified regimen (folinic acid 40 mg/m2 day 1 + bolus 5-FU 400 mg/m2 day 1 + continuous 5-FU 2400 mg/m2 on days 1 and 2 with cisplatin 50 mg/m2 on day 2).

Results

All the patients were assessable for response and 42 for toxicity. One patient achieved a complete response and 15 a partial response, for an overall response rate of 37.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 22.1% to 52.3%]. The median progression-free survival was 7.2 months (95% CI 5.4–10.9) and the overall survival was 13.3 months (95% CI 10.1–16.4). There were no treatment-related deaths. Hematological and gastrointestinal toxicities were the most common severe toxicities.

Conclusions

LV5FU2-P is an active and well tolerated regimen in the treatment of advanced gastroesophageal junction or gastric carcinomas. It warrants evaluation comparatively with other active regimens.

Keywords

antineoplastic combined chemotherapy
cisplatin
fluorouracil
stomach neoplasms

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