A case of recurrent gastric cancer successfully treated with S-1 plus CDDP (divided into small dosages)

A 75-year-old man was found to have a type 2 gastric cancer on the pyloric side. In February 2006, he underwent gastrectomy, followed by oral medication with 300 mg/day of UFT on an ambulatory basis. In June 2006, the lymph nodes in the hepatoduodenal ligament became swollen. The patient was started on S-1 monotherapy(S-1 was given orally 80 mg/body/ day for the first 4 weeks of a 6 week cycle). S-1 was given for 6 courses over 9 months. In March 2007, further swelling of the lymph nodes in the hepatoduodenal ligament(PD)and a CEA level increase were noted, and therapy of S-1 combined with CDDP(divided into small dosages)was started in April 2007. Since then until July 2009, 16 courses of S-1 combined with CDDP therapy were completed. During this period(for 2 years and 3 months), the lymph nodes in the hepatoduodenal ligament remained generally unchanged(SD)in imaging observations. However, no new lesions were discovered, The CEA level was reduced and the patient remained free of clinical symptoms. While there are no adverse effects and he could receive continued care on an ambulatory basis. In September 2009, obstructive jaundice was found, and it was treated by biliary stenting. He suffered repeated bouts of cholangitis, which contributed to the exacerbation of his systemic condition. The patient succumbed in January 2010. S-1 monotherapy was found to be ineffective but a combination therapy of S-1 plus CDDP(divided into small dosages)was effective in dealing with a recurrence of the gastric cancer. A case was presented in which such treatment allowed a patient with recurrent gastric cancer to survive for 3 years and 11 months following surgery.