Randomized crossover trial of intravenous 5-FU versus oral UFT both modulated by leucovorin: a one-centre experience

Although intravenous (IV) 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and uracil/futraful (UFT) have comparable antitumour efficacy in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (MCC), we wanted to assess which of these two regimens would be preferred by our patients. We randomized 20 previously untreated patients with MCC at our centre to receive oral UFT or bolus IV 5-FU both associated with leucovorin. After the first cycle patients were crossed over to the other arm. Before the third cycle we left patients to choose one of the regimens to continue their treatment until disease progression. Two patients chose 5-FU and 18 chose UFT (P < 0.001). Fewer side effects (50%) and convenience of home treatment (40%) were the main reasons for their choice for the oral regimen. UFT induced less mucositis (P = 0. 02) and diarrhoea (P = 0. 01). We conclude that convenience and lower toxicity may explain the observed preference for oral UFT.