A randomized study of cisplatin versus cisplatin plus vindesine for non-small cell lung carcinoma.

Between August 1983 and March 1985, a randomized study was conducted that compared cisplatin (CDDP) (80 mg/m2 on day 1) alone with CDDP plus vindesine (VDS) (3 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15) in 160 consecutive patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). There were no complete responses. The response rate for CDDP plus VDS (22 of 77 patients, 29%) was significantly higher than that for CDDP alone (9 of 78 patients, 12%) (P less than 0.05). However, no difference existed in the median duration of response (20 weeks for CDDP plus VDS versus 20 weeks for CDDP alone) or the median survival time (45 weeks for CDDP plus VDS versus 39 weeks for CDDP alone). No significant differences in toxicity were detected between the two arms; myelosuppression, alopecia, and peripheral neuropathy occurred more frequently with CDDP plus VDS and there was one lethal episode of hepatorenal syndrome in the CDDP plus VDS arm. Among the variables Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS), age, sex, stage, weight loss, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, albumin level, histologic cell type, and chemotherapy arm, only chemotherapy arm was a significant factor leading to a major response (P = 0.019, multiple logistic regression analysis). The significant predictors of survival were PS (P = 0.000), sex (P = 0.000), and stage (P = 0.002) (Cox's proportional hazards model), with a PS of 0 or 1, female sex, and lower stage yielding the best survival. Although a significantly higher response rate was obtained in the combination arm than in the single agent arm, the survival benefit to patients receiving such combination chemotherapy was not determined and more effective chemotherapy regimens are required.     

Beneficial effect of cisplatin based combination chemotherapy on adenocarcinoma of the lung

Cisplatin (CDDP) based combination chemotherapy has improved the response rate of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the survival benefit of CDDP-based chemotherapy in patients with NSCLC is still controversial. In order to determine whether CDDP had a meaningful impact on the course of NSCLC, the survival of patients treated by combination chemotherapy containing CDDP (CDDP arm: PVB; CDDP + vindesine + bleomycin, VIP; vindesine + ifosfamide + CDDP) was compared with that treated by chemotherapy without CDDP (no CDDP arm: COMP; cyclophosphamide + vincristine + methotrexate + procarbazine, MVB; mitomycin C + vindesine + bleomycin), retrospectively. Survival in CDDP arm (median survival time [MST]; 10.2 months) was significantly longer than in the no-CDDP arm (MST; 6.9 months) (p less than 0.01). These results indicate that CDDP-based combination chemotherapy can not only improve response rate but also prolong survival of NSCLC.     

Randomized study of cisplatin and doxorubicin with or without vincristine in non-small cell lung cancer

A randomized study of anticancer chemotherapy, CDDP plus ADM with/without VCR on patients with NSCLC was carried out. Forty-six patients received injections of CDDP (75 mg/m2) and ADM (50 mg/m2) every 4 weeks (Regimen A); 39 patients were injected with the same doses of CDDP and ADM, plus VCR (1.4 mg/m2, on day 1 and 0.7 mg/m2, on day 7), every 4 weeks (Regimen B). Seven patients (15%) and 10 patients (26%) achieved a partial response by Regimens A and B, respectively. The median survival time (MST) was 8.5 months in each group. Survival time of the responders (MST; 27 months) was much more prolonged than that of the non-responders (MST; 7 months) (p less than 0.01). Both regimens were well tolerated with only moderate gastrointestinal symptoms and mild bone marrow toxicities. Although the addition of VCR to CDDP plus ADR in NSCLC fulfilled the objective tumor regression, no additive effect could be obtained with regard to survival.     

Effects of combined therapy with irradiation, cisplatin and vindesine in lymph node recurrence of esophageal cancer

The effects of combined therapy with irradiation, cisplatin and vindesine for lymph node recurrence of esophageal cancer was studied. The subjects were 95 patients with lymph node recurrence, who were divided into the following four treatment groups: Group I: Radiotherapy alone (R) (n = 31); Group II: cisplatin (CDDP) alone (n = 18); Group III: R + CDDP(n = 9); Group IV: R + CDDP + VDS (n = 10). The response rate (CR + PR) of Groups III and IV was 66.7% and 100%, respectively, which was significantly more favorable than 11.1% of Group II. The survival duration after recurrence was prolonged in the order of Group IV, Group III, Group II and Group I. In conclusion, combination therapy using R, CDDP and VDS will be effective for lymph node recurrence of esophageal cancer.     

A new systemic combination chemotherapy to be provided at home for patients with unresectable recurrent colorectal cancer

We compared the effectiveness of 5-FU + l-LV with CDDP + 5-FU as a systemic chemotherapy for unresectable recurrence of colorectal cancer. The protocol we carried out in one group was as follows: (Group 1) 5-FU 2,000 mg mixed with l-LV 100-200 mg in the disposable balloon pump was administered continuously for 1 week. In the other group, (Group 2) we administered CDDP 5 mg/day every 5 days for a week and continuous 5-FU 500 mg/day for 3 weeks in the hospital, and in the outpatient clinic CDDP 5 mg/day every 2 days for a week with UFT-E 300-600 mg/day, orally, everyday. The response rate of Group 1 was 18.8% and that of Group 2 was 19.3%; the median survival time (MST) was 10.8 months for Group 1 and 8.4 months for Group 2. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups regarding these parameters. Hand foot syndrome (HFS) was observed in 43.8% of the patients, and stomatitis in 37.5% of all cases as adverse effect of systemic chemotherapy using 5-FU + l-LV. But the grade of the adverse effect was low and patients could continue with this systemic chemotherapy.     

Cis-dichlorodiammine platinum (II) CDDP in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

The effect of CDDP was evaluated in 44 cases of non-small cell lung cancer (squamous cell ca. 11 cases, adeno-large cell ca. 33 cases). Administered dosage of CDDP was in the range of 60-100 mg/m2 (60 mg/m2, 80 mg/m2, 100 mg/m2 per individual). 23 cases were treated with CDDP chemotherapy alone while the other 21 cases were combined with Vindesine (VDS). Three cases out of 18 receiving the CDDP monochemotherapy achieved partial response and the response rate was 16.7%. Six cases out of 15 receiving the CDDP + VDS cases achieved partial response and the response rate was 40.0%. Because of slow shrinkage of the lesion as revealed by chest X-ray film, evaluation of CDDP efficacy could only be done after two administrations at 3-4 week intervals. Values of serum creatine and BUN were transiently elevated with a dose-dependent tendency in the monochemotherapy cases. In combination chemotherapy cases bone marrow toxicity was the main dose-limiting factor. This regimen was tolerable and it was concluded that CDDP is a useful agent for combination chemotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer.     

Effect of short-term administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate on side reactions of combination chemotherapy with ADR, VDS and CDDP in primary lung cancer]

The effect of short-term (10 days) Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) administration on side reactions of combination chemotherapy with ADR, VDS and CDDP for primary lung cancer was studied by comparisons of MPA administration group (20 cases) with non administration group (30 cases). 1) Frequency of vomiting, duration of nausea and body weight loss were significantly improved in MPA administration Group (p less than 0.01). 2) Leukocyte and neutrophil counts in MPA administration group especially 7-10 days after of chemotherapy were maintained higher than these of non administration group (p less than 0.05). 3) Major side effects including thromboembolism in MPA administration group had not been observed. These results indicated that short-term MPA administration was relatively safe and effective in combination chemotherapy including CDDP.     

Combination chemotherapy for bronchogenic carcinoma based on cell type

Based on the cell types in bronchogenic carcinoma, we treated 123 patients with different regimens of combination chemotherapy. The chemotherapy regimens consisted of CAP (cyclophosphamide + adriamycin + platinum) for 60 patients with adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma, PP (peplomycin + platinum) for 29 patients with squamous cell carcinoma and CAV (cyclophosphamide + adriamycin + vincristine) for 35 patients with small cell carcinoma. These regimens were repeated every 4 weeks for at least 2 cycles. The response rates for CAP, PP and CAV were 18.3% (11 PR), 20.7% (6 PR) and 60% (10 CR + 11 PR), respectively. Median survival time (MST) was 12.5 months for CAP, 8.5 months for PP and 9.5 months for CAV. Responders had a significantly (P less than 0.002) improved survival (MST, 15.5 months) compared to non-responders (MST, 7.5 months) in small cell carcinoma. However, there was no significant difference between responders and non-responders in CAP and PP. Survival of patients with PS 0-1 was significantly better than that with PS 2-3 in all treated patients. Nausea and vomiting were severe in patients treated with platinum-based polychemotherapy. There was no renal failure although a transient increase of serum creatinine was noted in CAP and PP. Myelosuppression was mild to moderate in all patients treated with CAP, PP and CAV.     

Multi-institutional randomized clinical study on the comparative effects of intracavital chemotherapy alone versus immunotherapy alone versus immunochemotherapy for malignant effusion.

The current prospective randomized study was designed to compare the effects of intracavitary (i.c.) chemotherapy vs immunotherapy vs immunochemotherapy for malignant effusion. Between 1992 and 1995, a total of 42 patients with malignant effusion were registered, and 41 patients were eligible for statistical analysis. The primary diseases of the eligible patients included 27 gastric, four colorectal, four pancreatic, three lung, two liver and one oesophageal cancers. The patients with malignant effusion were randomly assigned into one of three i.c. therapeutic regimens: chemotherapy alone with weekly injection of anticancer agents (ACAs: cisplatin, mitomycin-C, adriamycin, etc.) (Group A, n = 13); immunotherapy alone with weekly injection of streptococcal preparation OK-432 (Group B, n = 14); or immunochemotherapy with ACAs and OK-432 (Group C, n = 14). The response of the effusion, patient survival and the kinetics of cytokines in the effusion were compared. There were no differences in the patients' backgrounds. The side-effects of the regimens included pain, anorexia, fever, leucopenia and anaemia and there were no differences in their incidence among the three groups. One patient died after cisplatin (CDDP) administration in Group A. Cytologic examination revealed that tumour cells in the effusion disappeared in 23% of Group A cases, 36% of Group B cases and 36% of Group C cases. The malignant effusion did not disappear in any of the Group A cases; however, the effusion disappeared in 29% of Group B cases and 43% of Group C cases (P = 0.03, Group A vs Group C). Furthermore, the 50% survival period was 1.6 months for Group A, 2.4 months for Group B and 3.5 months for Group C. The 6-month survival rate was 7% for Group A, 6% for Group B and 34% for Group C, and the 1-year survival rate was 0%, 0% and 17% respectively (P = 0.048, Group A vs Group C by the log-rank test). The analysis of the cytokine kinetics revealed a prominent increase in the level of interleukin-6 in the effusion in Group C. These results suggest that i.c. immunochemotherapy with OK-432 and ACAs may be more beneficial than i.c. chemotherapy alone or immunotherapy alone.     

A randomized controlled study of PSK combined immuno-chemotherapy for adenocarcinoma of the lung. The Advanced Lung Cancer Immuno-chemotherapy Study Group

In a randomized controlled study of chemotherapy (CDDP 100 mg/m2 day 1, VDS 3 mg/m2 day 1, 8, 15) vs. immuno-chemotherapy combined with PSK 3 g/day for adenocarcinoma of the lung (stage III, IV, p. s. 0, 1, 2), response rate for 169 cases with completed extramural review was 14.2%. As for the response rates for 138 complete cases, the chemotherapy group showed 17.9%, and the immuno-chemotherapy group was 16.9%. MST were 330 days and 331 days, respectively. In stage III cases, the response rates were 11.1% in the chemotherapy group and 37.5% in the immuno-chemotherapy group (p = 0.046). MST were 457 days (65.3 weeks) and 576 days (82.3 weeks), respectively. In terms of survival curve, it was suggested that the immuno-chemotherapy group was superior to the chemotherapy group (logrank test p = 0.075), but in stage IV cases, there was nothing outstanding in the immunochemotherapy group.     

Postoperative chemotherapy vs chemoradiotherapy for thoracic esophageal cancer: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Neither postoperative radiotherapy nor chemotherapy alone provided a survival benefit after curative esophagectomy for esophageal squamous carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Of 103 consecutive patients who underwent potentially curative esophagectomy for esophageal squamous carcinoma, 45 patients with advanced cancers without preoperative adjuvant treatments were prospectively randomized to two groups; postoperative chemotherapy alone (Group A, n=23) and postoperative radio/chemotherapy (Group B, n=22). In Group A, cisplatin (CDDP) (50 mg/m(2)) was given by intravenous infusion on days 1 and 15, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (300 mg/m(2)) was given daily by continuous intravenous infusion for 5 weeks. In Group B, in addition to the same chemotherapeutic regimen of Group A, 50 Gy of radiotherapy was given to the mediastinum over 5 weeks. The immunohistochemical staining of tumoral p53 and microvessel density was undertaken to correlate to the radio/chemosensitivity. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the clinicopathologic characteristics between the two groups. The median dose of 5-FU and CDDP administered were not significantly different between the two groups. The mean (SD) dose of radiotherapy in Group B was 42+10 Gy. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates in Group A were 100, 63 and 38% and those in Group B were 80, 58 and 50%, respectively (P=0.97). In each group, four patients succumbed to locoregional recurrences.Tumoral p53 was immunohistochemically negative in 43% in Group A and 77% in Group B (P=0.03), indicating that many patients in Group B might be potentially sensitive to radiochemotherapy. The 3- and 5-year survival rates (75 and 64%) of patients with p53 negative expression (n=18) were significantly (P=0.03) better than those with p53 positive expression (n=27, 44 and 26%). The long-term survival was better for patients with p53 negative tumours than those with p53 positive tumours in Group B (P=0.06 by long-rank test, P<0.05 by Generalized-Wilcoxon test). However, the long-term survival was not different between the patients who had p53 negative and positive tumours in Group A (P=0.19). These data suggest that there were no survival advantage for patients receiving radiotherapy in Group B, instead p53 negative tumours appeared to have a favorable prognosis. CONCLUSION: Postoperative radiotherapy administered concurrently with chemotherapy does not provide a survival benefit compared with chemotherapy alone. Tumoral p53 expression has a predictive value for survival in patients treated with postoperative radio/chemotherapy.     

Phase II studies of a single agent and a cis-platinum-based two-drug combination in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Phase II studies of single agent and CDDP-based two drug combination were performed in 189 patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer. Six drug regimens were performed: CDDP alone, VDS alone, Epi-ADM alone, CDDP + VDS, CDDP + CPA, CDDP + ADM. The response rates were 15.4% (6/39) with CDDP alone, 8.0% (2/25) with VDS alone, 6.1% (2/33) with Epi-ADM alone, 26.7% (8/30) with CDDP + VDS, 14.3% (4/28) with CDDP + CPA, 17.6% (6/34) with CDDP + ADM and one CR was performed with CDDP + ADM. In patients with no prior chemotherapy, the response rates were 20.0% (6/30), 11.8% (2/17), 12.5% (2/16), 26.7% (8/30), 16.0% (4/25) and 25.0% (3/12), respectively. The median survival times were 25, 27, 23, 33, 25, and 45 weeks, respectively. The efficacy of CDDP in non-small cell lung cancer patients was re-confirmed, and that of CDDP + VDS, CDDP + ADM was suggested. No death due to toxicity occurred and toxicity was generally tolerable.     

PFC方案化疗联合高强度聚焦超声治疗进展期胃癌的临床观察

目的:评价PFC方案化疗联合高强度聚焦超声(HIFU)治疗进展期胃癌的疗效和不良反应。方法:经病理学确诊的进展期胃癌患者60例,分A、B两组,每组30例。A组予PFC方案(紫杉醇+氟尿嘧啶+顺铂)化疗的同时行病灶部位HIFU治疗;B组单用PFC方案化疗。结果:60例均可评价疗效,A组CR5例(16.7%),PR17例(56.7%),SD4例(13.3%),PD4例(13.3%),有效率(CR+PR)73.3%,中位生存期13.9月;B组CR2例(6.7%),PR14例(46.7%),SD7例(23.3%),PD7例(23.3%),有效率53.3%,中位生存期9.6月。二组有效率无显著性差异(P>0.05),中位生存期差异有显著性(P<0.05)。主要不良反应为骨髓抑制、恶心、呕吐和脱发,二组无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论:PFC方案化疗结合HIFU治疗进展期胃癌为一种新的疗法,其近期疗效确切,不良反应轻,患者能耐受,且能明显改善患者的中位生存期,延长患者生命,对于进展期胃癌患者如能在化疗的同时联合HIFU治疗则不失为有效治疗手段,值得深入探讨。     

Survival advantage with decitabine versus intensive chemotherapy in patients with higher risk myelodysplastic syndrome: comparison with historical experience

BACKGROUND: Decitabine, a hypomethylating agent, is active and has been approved for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Intensive chemotherapy is an accepted form of therapy for patients with higher risk MDS. The comparative efficacy of these 2 forms of treatment in MDS is unknown. The objective of the current study was to compare the efficacy and toxicity profiles of decitabine and intensive chemotherapy in MDS. METHODS: The authors compared lower intensity decitabine therapy (n = 115 patients) with intensive chemotherapy (as it is used in acute myeloid leukemia [AML]) in patients with higher risk MDS. Two comparisons were made with a cohort of 376 historic patients (from 1995 to 2005): The first comparison included a subcohort of 115 patients (Group A) who matched the 115 decitabine study patients according to age, International Prognostic Scoring System, and cytogenetics; and the second comparison included the whole cohort of 376 patients without matching (Group B). A multivariate analysis was performed for outcome. RESULTS: The complete remission (CR) rate according to AML criteria was 43% with decitabine, 46% with intensive chemotherapy in Group A, and 52% with intensive chemotherapy in Group B. Compared with Group A, mortality at 6 weeks was 3% with decitabine versus 13% with intensive chemotherapy (P = .006) and, at 3 months, 7% with decitabine versus 23% with intensive chemotherapy (P = .001). Survival was better with decitabine versus intensive chemotherapy in Group A (median survival: 22 months vs 12 months; P < .001). A multivariate analysis of survival in all 491 patients who received decitabine or intensive chemotherapy (Group B) selected decitabine as an independent, favorable prognostic factor for survival (P = .006; hazard ratio, 0.74) after accounting for the independent prognostic effect of pretreatment factors. CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis, decitabine was associated with a survival advantage compared with intensive chemotherapy in patients with higher risk MDS. Future studies should evaluate prospectively the results of decitabine versus intensive chemotherapy in this setting.     

Prognostic factors in previously treated non-small cell lung cancer patients with and without a positive response to the subsequent treatment with gefitinib

Gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been reported to have a certain anti-tumor effect in previously treated patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the prognostic factors in those patients with and without a positive response to gefitinib treatment remain unclear. A retrospective chart review was performed in 131 advanced NSCLC patients who received 250 mg of gefitinib as either a second-line or even later stage treatment from July 2002 to December 2005. The clinical factors including age, gender, performance status (PS), stage, histology, the number of prior types of chemotherapy, and the response to first-line chemotherapy were analyzed. One and 38 patients experienced a complete and partial response, respectively, to gefitinib treatment with an overall response rate of 30%. The median survival time (MST) of all patients receiving gefitinib treatment was 10 months while the MST was 28 months in the 39 gefitinib responders and 6 months in the 92 non-responders. Among the 39 gefitinib responders, the predominant prognostic factor was found to be the effectiveness of the first-line chemotherapy. The MST of the 20 patients with a response to the first-line chemotherapy was 32 months while the MST of the 19 patients without a response to the chemotherapy was 22 months (p=0.025). Among the 92 gefitinib non-responders, the predominant prognostic factor was the PS (p<0.001). The effectiveness of the first-line chemotherapy was therefore found to be a prognostic factor in the gefitinib responders with previously treated NSCLC, while the PS was shown to be a prognostic factor in the gefitinib non-responders.     

Cytostatic therapy of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. A randomized study comparing cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) and bleomycin with methotrexate and vindesine

79 patients were randomized and treated either with cis-DDP 33 mg/kg i.v. day 1 and BLM 15 mg/m2 i.v. continuously day 2-6 (arm A) or less aggressively with MTX 30 mg/m2 i.v. day 1 + 6 and VDS 3 mg/m2 day 2 + 7 (arm B). Patients with inadequate response were further treated with the alternative regimen ("cross over"). Regarding response rates therapy A was superior to B (p = 0.01) respectively p = 0.05 for the cross over patients. Not pretreated in comparison to pretreated patients demonstrated not significantly better results. Pretreated patients had statistically superior response rates with arm A than with arm B (p = 0.05). All other prognostic factors were without any influence on treatment results. CR induced by chemotherapy (2 X) in not pretreated patients could be increased by additional surgery and X-ray therapy (CR = 26X). Survival times demonstrated no difference between both regimes. Chemotherapy was of less influence on median survival times after 39 months than in comparison to post-chemotherapeutically performed surgery +/- radiotherapy in 44 not pretreated patients. Chemotherapy: CR + PR to MR + NC + PD 16 respectively 13 months with 38 respectively 48% survivors (p = 0.25). Surgery +/- radiotherapy: CR + PR median not reached yet, MR + NC + PD 13 months with 60 respectively 18% survivors (p = 0.001).     

不同化疗方案治疗Ⅲ～Ⅳ期非小细胞肺癌的近期疗效观察

 目的　观察比较MVP(丝裂霉素、长春地辛、顺铂),MIC(丝裂霉素、异环磷酰胺、顺铂)和MNP(丝裂霉素、去甲长春碱、顺铂)联合化疗方案治疗Ⅲ～Ⅳ期非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)的近期疗效和耐受性。方法　统计分析103例接受联合化疗的Ⅲ～Ⅳ期NSCLC,MVP组36例、MIC组30例,MNP组37例。结果　MVP组有效率30.6%,MIC组有效率33.3%、MNP组有效率48.6%,三组间疗效无显著性差异(P＞0.05)。主要毒副反应为骨髓抑制和胃肠道反应。结论　MVP、MIC和MNP方案治疗Ⅲ～Ⅳ期NSCLC疗效肯定,毒性可耐受,可以作为其一线治疗方案。     

Radiotherapy combined with cis-diammine-dichloro platinum (II) plus vindesine in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer: a comparison with treatment by radiation alone

The effect of CDDP + VDS has been evaluated in 39 cases of non-small cell lung cancer, compared with those treated with radiation alone. Nineteen cases consisted of a combined radiation and chemotherapy group, while twenty cases were classed a the radiation therapy only group. CDDP was given at a dosage of 60 to 110 mg/m2 every 4 weeks, and VDS at a dosage of 3 mg/m2 3 times weekly. Radiation was given at a fraction dose of 1.5 to 2 Gy 5 times per week with a mean total dose of 56 Gy in the radiation only group, and 50 Gy in the combined therapy group. There were no significant difference in both the response rate and the survival time between the two groups. This suggests that combined chemotherapy was not effective for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.     

Arterial infusion chemotherapy for liver metastases from colorectal cancer--therapeutic effects of different protocols

The therapeutic effects of different protocols for arterial infusion chemotherapy were compared in patients with multiple liver metastases from colorectal cancer. A total of 49 patients with colorectal multiple liver metastases treated in our hospital since 1988 were the subjects. In order to compare the therapeutic effects on the regression of cancer and the survival rate, the subjects were assigned into Groups A-D, which were treated using different protocols. Group A received ADR, EPI, CDDP or 5-FU alone at first. If this drug was not effective, it was replaced with another of those mentioned here, and so on. Group B received CDDP 50 mg on day 1, 5-FU 500 mg/day from day 2 to day 7 and 5-FU 500 mg/day for 2 weeks thereafter (FP treatment). Group C received CDDP 50 mg at the time of reservoir insertion and 5-FU 1,000 mg for 5 hours thereafter (WHF treatment). Group D received 5-FU 1,000 mg for 24 hours on day 1, day 3, and day 5 of every week with combination of CDDP 5-10 mg/day from day 1 to day 5 and none on day 6 and day 7 (intermittent F + low-dose P treatment) for 3 weeks. The response rate was 33% for Group A (n = 18), 46% for Group B (n = 13), 25% for Group C (n = 8) and 80% for Group D (n = 10), showing significant differences between Group D and other groups. The 1-year survival rate was 50% for Group A, 46% for Group B, 29% for Group C and 89% for Group D. Significant differences in survival rate were found between Group B and D, and Group C and D.     

The significance of low-dose CDDP intraperitoneal administration for cases of peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer

We examined the significance of low-dose cisplatinum (CDDP) intraperitoneal administration for cases of peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer. Sixty-eight cases of gastric cancer, diagnosed as P1 or CY1 in the gastrectomy operation that was carried out during the period between January 1994 and December 2001, were studied based on accumulated survival rate and mean survival time (MST). Ten milligram of CDDP was weekly administrated intraperitoneally through an infusion port. A two-week interval was taken after the eight-week administration. This group, the CDDP intraperitoneal administration group, was statistically superior both in the accumulated survival rate and MST. These results suggested that the low-dose CDDP intraperitoneal administration would contribute to improved prognosis of such gastric cancers as P1 or CY1.